Monday 23 December 2024
And all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. (v. 10)
Background
This is a beautiful poem about homecoming written for people who had been taken into exile and who longed to return to their homes and their communities. We can all identify with that longing and the subsequent joy felt when that homecoming becomes possible, just as we can recognise the pain and grief when those exiled or held captive do not, or cannot return. We witness daily in the news the pain of the families of those who are held hostage a long way from home. We see people driven from their homes, families and communities by war, conflict and hatred.
In today's passage there are four main 'characters'. There is the messenger, the sentinel or watcher at the walls, there is a broken and forlorn city and finally, there is the Messiah, the one who saves. The messenger is spotted hurrying with a message, and the sentinels know it must be good news for no-one rushes to convey bad news. The one keeping watch on the destroyed walls of the city, sees the messenger and receives – in that moment – the good news of the message carried. Those watching sing for joy and invite the inhabitants of the broken city to dance once again. God is coming to save God’s people. The comfort that God brings is both a restoration and liberation for the city. This is our God, who is for us, and is making God's home with us.
We can wonder about being those who carry messages for others and whether people can detect from our behaviour and attitudes whether the news we have is good news, comforting and hopeful, or the reverse. We can wonder too about our capacity for attentiveness, for careful watching and waiting and looking out for signs of hope and good news. We too can be broken and forlorn because of events and challenges in our own lives and in those of people we love. Can we be those who are still open to a message of hope, change and restoration brought to us by the witness of others? Are we watching for and paying attention to the activity of God in the world?
To Ponder:
- What are the messages we carry and give to others?
- Do people hear good news and truth from us?
- What difference does it make to us that God is at home with us, in our time and space?
Bible notes author: The Revd Helen Cameron
Helen Cameron is a presbyter of the Methodist Church and currently serves as President of the Methodist Conference.