Isaiah 35:1-4 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 35:1-4 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 35The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus Verse 2it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Verse 3Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Verse 4Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."
Devotion
Touch. Touch can say more than words. An embrace. A hand reaching out. A pat on the back. He Who Is Coming comes with a touch. It is a touch of compassion, coming to those made weak by anticipation of what might yet be. It is a touch that comes to take away weakness with the promise that God’s love endures and never fails, that God’s strength given to us is strength enough to suffice.
Prayer
Gracious Coming One: make us sensitive to your touch of compassion. In that touch of compassion, may we find strength for the living of these days. Amen.