Isaiah 62:1-5 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 62:1-5 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 62For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. Verse 2The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. Verse 3You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. Verse 4You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married. Verse 5For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
Devotion
Life’s a journey of countless changes and transitions. As seasons and years pass, we—whether individuals or communities—face changes in abilities, relationships, contexts, etc. For example, there’s an imminent U.S. presidential administration transition. Transitions may bring joyful anticipation, fearful consternation, or both. This week’s devotions consider what’s helpful during our journeys.
When I encounter journeys’ undesirable transitions, I stubbornly maintain that these difficult changes aren’t my fault. I often want to prove to everyone that I’m right. My efforts to vindicate myself prolong discord in relationships and delay cooperation. More importantly, vindication isn’t my prerogative. Isaiah says vindication is God’s jurisdiction (v. 2). If and when God chooses, God shines vindication’s light to reveal the truth to the world. Therefore, when we begin new transitions in our journeys, we must forgo the burdensome baggage of vindication. We can travel light—in the Light—because God carries vindication’s salvific torch.
Prayer
God of justice, thank you for being our vindicator who shines the truth’s light for all the world to see. Please help us proceed on our journeys, cooperating to serve you and our neighbors. Amen.
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