Isaiah 43:16-21 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 43:16-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 16Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, Verse 17who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Verse 18Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. Verse 19I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Verse 20The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, Verse 21the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.
Devotion
With the prophet Isaiah we encounter our God as beyond our comprehension and yet intimately close. We belong to the same God who parted the sea to save his people from Pharaoh’s army; who promises to defeat our enemies. It is thrilling to contemplate God’s power used in love on our behalf. Today Isaiah reminds us that God also uses that great and loving power on behalf of those we have learned not to see. God loves our human neighbors and creates rain that falls on the just and unjust alike. God provides water for wild and untamed animals. These wild animals “will honor me,” says the Lord. The interconnectedness of God’s creation, of God’s love for all creatures, lights up this passage.
Prayer
Lord God, give us eyes to see and ears to hear your presence among and your generosity to all you have made. In the midst of whatever life brings, call us to unwearied gratitude for all your gifts and unwearied service on behalf of your creatures. Amen.