HOPE!
Reading:
Isaiah 56:9 - 57:21
After the elation of the promises in last week's readings, the first part of today's passage is a serious downer. It details the failure of Israels leaders and the vile wickedness of the people. I am stunned that God's people worshiped statues and stones, sacrificed their own children, and paid prostitutes for religious sex. How could they wander so far from what God commanded and not be disgusted with themselves? But then I wonder what my ancestors will look back on and wonder how we managed to get so far off track? How did we delude ourselves into thinking that such-and-such was okay?
Still, I'm taken with how hard God works to call His people back. These accusing verses are screaming, "Come home!"
And finally there are words of comfort:
I live in a high and holy place,
but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
I will not accuse them forever,
nor will I always be angry,
for then they would faint away because of me—
the very people I have created.
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