Tuesday 09 December 2008
- Bible Book:
- Isaiah
"See, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep." (v.10-11)
Background
In this chapter of Isaiah the voice of the prophet himself seemsto fade away as other voices defend God. They speak with anauthority consistent with those who come from God.
The theme of the chapter is the promise of God's sovereignty and anew purpose for the people and nations of the earth. The sovereignpurposes of God are newly revealed, yet by their very nature theyare eternally established in the will and character of God.
Those who study the prophecies of Isaiah suggest that this chapteris significant in its change of tone. Suddenly the Babylonianvictory over Judah and Jerusalem is now fully evident. Jerusalemhas indeed received from the Lord's hand double for its sins andhas been forced to serve its term. The destruction of all that theyknow is announced!
Against this backdrop, the prophet announces a stunning message ofhope, encouragement and 'comfort'. The previous chapter spoke ofthe hauling away of royal house and treasure, but this chapterbrings the word of hope. The prophet records God calling out to thepeople (verses 1-2). There is a conversation about God'ssovereignty, the absurdity of idol manufacture, the non-existenceof 'other gods' and the strengthening of those who wait on God. Theremarkable assembly of themes is not just appropriate to the peoplein their Babylonian exile.
The hymns that we sing during Advent and Christmas are filled withthe words and ideas of Isaiah (eg Come, thou long-expected Jesus(Hymns & Psalms 81); Hark the glad sound (Hymns & Psalms82); O come, o come Emmanuel (Hymns & Psalms 85) -
To Ponder
Reflect upon the way that the story of God'speople has continued through good times and bad.
Consider the manner in which every generation hasneeded to find God for itself within its own context. In what wayshave you have found God for yourself and in your own context?
What is the good news of comfort that the Churchneeds to announce in the present generation?