Monday 19 February 2024

Psalm 87

Background

In this first week of Lent, we find ourselves reading the prophecies of Isaiah. In the first half of the book (chapters 1–39) Isaiah prophesies God’s judgment on Israel bringing the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the people being taken into exile in Babylon. In the second half of the book, many generations later, some faithful have returned to Jerusalem to rebuild Jerusalem in the hope of a renewed creation.

Isaiah 55 draws to a close the middle section of the book of Isaiah (which commentators have dubbed ‘Second Isaiah’, chapters 40–55). It prophesies that a royal figure will suffer in order to bring about Israel’s redemption. For the exiles living outside Judah in the sixth century BC, there is an assurance that the Covenant will be renewed (chapter 54) and that creation itself will be renewed (chapter 55). 

The poetic words of Isaiah 55 is a call to return to the promised land, where a bountiful feast of God’s favour awaits them, with an invitation to abundant life. There is a choice here to be made in response to the invitation to ‘come’, and a challenge to concentrate on what truly matters (vs 1-2) in order that God will make with them an ‘everlasting covenant’ (v. 3). The invitation into God’s promise comes with a reminder that there is a clear distinction between God’s way of doing things and humanity’s actions: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord’." (v. 8) The inclusion of other nations in this promise (v. 5) may well be an example of how different God’s ways are to humanity’s, as those who take up the covenant of the Lord will become beacons of hope to others.

The promise of redemption then is for Israel, for other nations and, in the imagery of verses 10–13, for all of creation. The word of the Lord, the work of God, is likened to the watering of the earth bringing an abundance of plant life where new life can flourish. And as Israel goes out with joy and is led forth with peace into this glorious restoration, so creation joins in the celebration, bursting with joy in a song sung by the mountains and the hills to the rhythm of the trees. (v.12)

To Ponder:

• Lent is a period of fasting and prayer, and a time to reassess our priorities. The invitation of God is to come and freely receive of God’s abundant life. How are you spending your time and money? Is it on what truly matters?
• God’s way of doing things is different to our way of doing things. How are you being a beacon of hope to those who are, perhaps, different to you, and not typically included in church?
• The promise of restoration is for all of creation. The Methodist Church has set a target of becoming a net zero emissions Church by 2030. Perhaps you might spend some time reading the Environment and climate change section on the website to see how you could make a difference.  

Prayer

Creator God, all of creation celebrates your glory and we rejoice in your invitation to abundant life in Christ. Help us to turn our hearts and minds to your thoughts and your ways, and to share with others and with creation in working towards the fullness of your kingdom. Amen.