Saturday 27 June 2015

Psalm: Psalm 34:11-22

Background

The prophet speaks in an intensely personal account of a callfrom God, in a manner which is reminiscent of previous days'readings this week. His vocation is neatly summed up: good news tothe poor; binding up the broken-hearted, releasing people fromoppression; comfort to those who are mourning; and rebuilding ofancient ruins. The disasters of the past are being overcome.

Once again, the importance of strangers and foreigners isstressed (verse 5). They will join in the work, bring their wealthand share in everlasting joy. The Lord God will cause righteousnessand praise to spring up abundantly. It is a wonderful, reassuringpicture, painted in an alluring fashion.

However, the demand to the people is there in those firstverses. It was an enormous challenge to the first audience, as ithas been to countless generations who have heard this passage.

In Luke's Gospel (Luke4:16-19) you can read of Jesus being handed the book of theprophet Isaiah, and choosing to read this passage. It has oftenbeen understood as his manifesto, as it was of the prophet, and asit was intended to be for God's people who had suffered defeat,exile and then restoration.

To Ponder

• Do you think the manifesto is realistic? If so, then how couldyou make it real in your own life? If not, then how would youchange the manifesto?

• What does it mean to you to be a 'minister of our God' (verse6)?