Friday 26 June 2015
- Bible Book:
- Isaiah
“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you … the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (vv. 1-3)
Psalm: Psalm 34:1-10
Background
A wonderful future for the city of Jerusalem and for God'speople is promised in today's passage from this third part of thebook of Isaiah. The people had returned from their exile inBabylon, which had resulted in no small way from their disobedienceto God's rule. There are references to the continuing building upof the temple and of the city walls. This may indicate that theprophet is speaking soon after the return from exile, when buildingwas still being undertaken. Or perhaps we can understand it asmeaning that the building of God's kingdom is a continual process,always needing care and attention.
A major theme in the passage is that of light shining out to allthe world. Through all that had happened, and the associateddarkness and gloom, the time had now arrived when nations will drawnear. There is a wonderful description of wealth being offered andshared. Young and old, foreigners as well as those returning fromfar away, camels and ships bearing treasure - all will be acceptedand will glorify God's house.
Strangely, although we read of the walls of the city being builtup, the gates are always to remain open! So that all can bringtheir offerings and all can be welcomed.
To Ponder
- How easy do you find that you can experience the light of God'spresence?
- In what ways would you change the church so that "nations willcome to your light"?