Isaiah 61:7-11 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 61:7-11 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7Because their shame was double, and dishonor was proclaimed as their lot, therefore they shall possess a double portion; everlasting joy shall be theirs. Verse 8For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Verse 9Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.
Verse 10I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Verse 11For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
Devotion
This spring, my son planted Nasturtium seeds in a cup in preschool. Afterwards, every morning he would run to the window and check for signs of growth. The plant is now (surprisingly!) thriving in our garden and it is still a constant source of joy and excitement for him. Isaiah tells us that God is at work to sow the seeds of righteousness and justice and to bring those seeds to fruition.
Let’s be like preschoolers on the lookout for signs of that growth. Let’s do all that we can to nurture and support it. Let’s exclaim with joy and excitement: “see what has come up, see what God is doing!” The Master Gardener is at work in your life and mine and our world. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Giver of all good gifts, we thank you for signs of new life all around us. Help us to notice the growth you bring, help us nurture it, help us to share the joy with others through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.