Read
Jerusalem Can Celebrate
1 Jerusalem, wake up!
Stand up and be strong.
Holy city of Zion,
dress in your best clothes.
Those foreigners who ruined
your sacred city
won't bother you again.
2Zion, rise from the dirt!
Free yourself from the rope
around your neck.
Suffering Will End
3The Lord says:
My people, you were sold,
but not for money;
now you will be set free,
but not for a payment.
4Long ago you went to Egypt
where you lived
as foreigners.
Then Assyria was cruel to you,
5 and now another nation
has taken you prisoner
for no reason at all.
Your leaders groan with pain,
and day after day
my own name is cursed.
6My people, you will learn
who I am and who is speaking
because I am here.
A Message of Hope
7 What a beautiful sight!
On the mountains a messenger
announces to Jerusalem,
“Good news! You're saved.
There will be peace.
Your God is now King.”
8Everyone on guard duty,
sing and celebrate!
Look! You can see the Lord
returning to Zion.
9Jerusalem, rise from the ruins!
Join in the singing.
The Lord has given comfort
to his people;
he comes to your rescue.
10The Lord has shown all nations
his mighty strength;
now everyone will see
the saving power of our God.
A Command
11 Leave the city of Babylon!
Don't touch anything filthy.
Wash yourselves. Be ready
to carry back everything sacred
that belongs to the Lord.
12You won't need to run.
No one is chasing you.
The Lord God of Israel
will lead and protect you
from enemy attacks.
Reflect
I don’t know about you, but often, my first thought is to try to tackle something on my own. Though I know that my first thought should be to bring something to God, this is often not the case. As such, while some things work out, more often than I’d like to admit, things tend to not go as I’d planned.
In today’s reading, the prophet Isaiah is at somewhat of a climactic point. After reminding, explaining and encouraging the captive people of Israel in previous chapters, Isaiah comes to a point where he says, “Okay Israel. This is really happening. God’s got this so get ready.” (vv 1-2) He continues on to assure them that not only does God have things under control, but he doesn’t require anything from them – not their assistance, money, nothing – to bring about the plans of salvation and redemption that he has for them (vv 3-5). Finally, he finishes up by clarifying why God is going to save and redeem the people of Israel – so they will never again wonder or doubt God’s faithfulness to them, and so that the whole world will know that God is the one true God (6-12).
This news must have encouraged the people of Israel. In the same way it should also encourage us today. God’s promise of salvation and redemption for each of us has already come in the form of Jesus as we read later in the New Testament. But similarly, Christ’s death and resurrection should declare to each of us that God is in control, that we need to get ready, that he doesn’t require our assistance in bringing things about, and that the salvation and redemption offered us through Jesus’ sacrifice should lead us to never again wonder about his faithfulness to us.
Respond
Heavenly Father, You are so awesome. Your plans are greater than my plans, and your thoughts are greater than my thoughts. Thank you for sending Jesus to make a way for me. I pray that his example would constantly remind me of your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Arthur Satterwhite III
Arthur L. Satterwhite III serves as the National Movements Ministry Mobilizer at American Bible Society where he currently oversees the organization’s work with Protestant denominations, para-Church ministries, and Christian events and conferences. In this role, Arthur leads ABS’ efforts to serve, equip and collaborate with Christian leaders in order to positively shift individuals’ perception of the Bible and drive their constituencies toward active Bible engagement.