Monday 22 June 2015

Psalm: Psalm 29

Background

The book of Isaiah dates from the 8th century BC, and is namedafter a great prophet. In three parts, it relates first (inchapters 1-39) to a time when the kingdom of Judah was under gravedanger from Assyria, a neighbouring state. The nation's parlousstate was also seen as linked to their lack of trust in God.

The second part of the book of Isaiah is from the time when manyof the people of Judah were separated from their homeland, in exilein Babylon. Despite their dire situation, the people were promisedthat they would return to Jerusalem and begin a new life there.Today's passage is from the final chapter of the second part ofIsaiah.

Isaiah addresses everyone who wishes to have new life - to drinkand eat, and money is no bar to sharing to the full (verse 1)! Thepeople are encouraged to put behind them the life away in Babylonand to accept the promise laid before them. Verses 6-11 are a poemwhich summarises the prophet's message. In it, the people arecalled to prepare themselves by turning towards God, by repentingof their sins. If there are those who doubt the good news, thenthey are reassured by the statement that God's ways are not humanways. Then a harvest illustration leads into the prophet'sproclamation that God's word will accomplish God's purpose.

You may care to look at the poem which is recorded at thebeginning on this second part of the book of Isaiah (Isaiah40:1-8). These two poems hold the message of Isaiah to God's peoplefar from home, and waiting for his saving power to be evident.

To Ponder

• Have you had times when you felt a long way from God? How doesIsaiah's message make you feel?

• How easy is to think of unknown nations running to God? Arethere nations you would find it difficult to welcome? Why? And howmight you overcome this difficulty?