Isaiah 44:1-8 (NRSV)
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Chapter 44But now hear, O Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen! Verse 2Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you in the womb and will help you: Do not fear, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen. Verse 3For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my spirit upon your descendants, and my blessing on your offspring. Verse 4They shall spring up like a green tamarisk, like willows by flowing streams. Verse 5This one will say, "I am the Lord's," another will be called by the name of Jacob, yet another will write on the hand, "The Lord's," and adopt the name of Israel. Verse 6Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Verse 7Who is like me? Let them proclaim it, let them declare and set it forth before me. Who has announced from of old the things to come? Let them tell us what is yet to be. Verse 8Do not fear, or be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? You are my witnesses! Is there any god besides me? There is no other rock; I know not one.
Devotion
Have you ever had to write something on your hand, maybe a phone number or a name? God’s promise is that you will write something new on your hand. You will adopt the name of the one to whom you belong—the one who has formed you, the one who is first and last, the one who names you as “witness.” Write it on your hand: “The Lord's.”
Prayer
Matchless Redeemer, just as you are written on our hands, we are written on yours. You have chosen us to be witnesses to your promises. Pour your Spirit upon us so that we may proclaim without fear the good news you have declared. Amen.