Thursday 22 February 2024

Psalm 90

Background

Chapters 60-62 of Isaiah are joyful. The exiles who have returned to Zion (the Jewish homeland) have been given hope. The end of chapter 59 prophecies a redeemer who will come to Zion, and a covenant is made between the people of Israel and God that “my spirit is upon you, and my words… shall not depart… from now on and forever.” (Isaiah 59:21)  So, chapter 60 is joyful, starting with a call to “Arise, shine; for your light has come” (v. 1). 

This passage may well be a familiar one since it is the traditional Old Testament reading for Epiphany (when the Magi, or wise men, reach the baby Jesus). The mention of camels and gold and frankincense (v. 6) make it an obvious choice for the arrival of the Magi. The hope and celebration of the arrival of the Messiah is echoed in the words of redemption, as the people are exhorted to ‘Arise!’ They must lift themselves up, physically and spiritually, to begin the work that God has given them. The dark days of exile and a difficult return to a Jerusalem that lay in ruins are now over and they must ‘shine’ as witnesses of God’s glory (v. 1).  As a result, nations and kings will be drawn to Jerusalem. This story can be found in the book of Ezra and is the story of ‘the nations’ (Gentiles or non-Jews) providing support for the rebuilding of the Temple, and kings sending great treasure to Jerusalem to fund the rebuilding.

The Jewish people are encouraged to look around and see who has arrived to help rebuild the Temple –who has gathered together (v. 4). It would be easy to be so focused on the work, or so beaten down by circumstances and hardship, that they don’t look around to see who is there helping them, but exiles from far far away are returning to Jerusalem to join in the work (v. 5).

 The celebrations of verses 5 -7 are in stark contrast to the prophesies of warning in the previous chapters. Here, there is 'thrilling' excitement and 'rejoicing'. Jerusalem will be blessed with 'the wealth of the nations' as kings and queens bring gifts from all over the world to help them build their new Temple. They include 'the abundance of the sea' and a “multitude of camels,” from Midian, Ephah and Sheba (v. 6), which would surely remind the Jewish people of the lavish gifts that the Queen of Sheba brought King Solomon to build the first Temple (see 1 Kings 10). 

To Ponder:

• “Arise, shine!” What task has God set for you which you must ‘arise’ and do? Who can you shine to, as a witness of God’s glory?
• We can often be so downcast by our situation or focused on the job in hand that we fail to see those whom God has sent to help us. Are there people in your life who you could rely on more and give thanks for?
• This passage is about people, nations and kings being drawn to what God is doing in rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. The Methodist Church is committed to being a growing, evangelistic Church that draws people in to hear the good news of God. Can you spend some time exploring the evangelism and growth section of the website and pray about how God is calling you to shine out and share good news?

Prayer

God of glory, we thank you for Jesus, the light of the world. May the light of Christ shine through us as we seek to share the good news of your kingdom with those around us. Amen.