Reading: Isaiah 51:1-6
Verse 6: “My salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.”
Isaiah 51 reminds reminds me of the “then and now” of our faith. Written to those “who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord,” it calls them and us to remember the long arc of the relationship between God and God’s people. Looking into today and beyond into eternity, we are also reminded of God’s standing promise: “My salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.”
Isaiah writes these words to the Israelites living with him in exile. Their time in exile has grown long. They are living as strangers in a place far away from all they’ve ever known. It has been a wearying and difficult stay. So Isaiah calls them to remember where they came from and whose they are. He calls them to remember Abraham and Sarah, the ones who received the covenant and who were blessed as God fulfilled the promise. When we find ourselves in a trial or in a season of suffering, it is good to remember the great stories of faith and to be reminded of “the rock” that we too stand upon.
The prophet also speaks of hope and restoration. Isaiah tells the exiles that God looks “with compassion on all her ruins” – both those back home and those that are their lives now. He prophesies that God will transform these dry and barren places and lives into a garden paradise, into a place where there will be “thanksgiving and the sound of singing.” Isaiah tells them that justice and salvation are on the way! This was all probably hard to hear in the darkness and despair of exile. But, wait. Remember, God took one and “blessed him and made him many.” This same God promises to restore Israel. This same God can and will bring us through our trials and sufferings. Thanks be to God.
Prayer: Lord, it is good to remember and to know once again that your promises of salvation and compassion are for all people who call on you and who seek your righteousness. The promises are for us. Thank you, Lord. Amen.