Isaiah 2:1-5 (NRSV)
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Chapter 2The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. Verse 2In days to come the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Verse 3Many peoples shall come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Verse 4He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Verse 5O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Devotion
Isaiah ministers during the events recorded in II Chronicles 26-32. He portrays clearly and graphically the sins of the kingdom of Judah: idolatry, hypocrisy, materialism and oppression of the poor. He warns them that severe judgment is coming. At the same time, he extends to God’s people the promise of redemption, offering hope for a glorious future - particularly when the Messiah comes.
Isaiah invites us to come into God’s presence, and there, “He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.” Peace comes not through human programs – but in obedience to the divine law. Man’s pride will be humbled and God alone exalted.
Prayer
Father, lead us to surrender to you, there finding peace and shelter amidst the storms of life. Amen.