Isaiah 51: 1-6 (NRSV)
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Chapter 51Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Verse 2Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many. Verse 3For the Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places, and will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.
Verse 4Listen to me, my people, and give heed to me, my nation; for a teaching will go out from me, and my justice for a light to the peoples. Verse 5I will bring near my deliverance swiftly, my salvation has gone out and my arms will rule the peoples; the coastlands wait for me, and for my arm they hope. Verse 6Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and those who live on it will die like gnats; but my salvation will be forever, and my deliverance will never be ended.
Devotion
Listen up! Isaiah cries to God's children in exile. Then to us the prophet shouts: "Listen up, you who are looking for God to show up and act!" "Look!" "Here!" Look to the rock from which you were hewn—Abraham and Sarah, our spiritual ancestors according to the promises of God. Older than dirt, they were alone. But look at them now—a family and a people blessing all nations to the ends of the earth. Look to God the rock who makes good on promises to bless all peoples through Abraham—bringing God’s people back from exile; causing creation to bloom where once there was desolation and emptiness; giving rise to hope for the coastlands and the peoples far away, who themselves face desolation, exile, and an uncertain future. God promises to be their hope and salvation—and ours.
Prayer
We look to you, Holy God, and we wait. Keep coming to us with your promises to deliver and save. Amen.