Children seem to understand that getting it right takes practice. I was watching my 2 year old grandson recently threading a toy screw into a busy board. Round and round, over and over again he tried it without a hint of giving up. From time to time one of the adults would offer guidance. A verbal hint or a guiding hand was given.

In today’s reading Isaiah continues with the LORD’s prophetic accusation of Jerusalem. The city has become unfaithful and turned away from God. But rather than rail against idolatry which was prevalent, Isaiah points to the injustice found within the city. Instead of administering justice the rulers chase after bribes and enrich only themselves. Widows and orphans never get a fair trial (Isaiah 1:23).

If metaphorically the Book of Isaiah was a geographic landscape, it would be filled with peaks and valleys. In a single bound the prophet takes us from the valley of desolate gloom and severe judgment to the peak of God’s blessing and his loving embrace.

Today’s reading calls us to the mountain peak of God’s will – his vision for our future – for the future of the world.

When was the last time you thought about idols or idolatry? Frankly it’s not something I think about often. Idols and idolatry are relics from another time and place, or are they?

In today’s reading, Isaiah rails against the idolatry of his people.

There’s nothing pretty about war, defeat and captivity. And that is precisely what is being described in today’s reading. Isaiah is prophesying the LORD’s judgment on the southern Kingdom of Judah.

With stunning accuracy Isaiah’s words were fulfilled.

After walking us through the deep valley of God’s judgment in the form of the destruction of Jerusalem and the ensuing captivity, in today’s reading, Isaiah returns us to the mountaintop of God’s grace and favour.

The survivors of the LORD’s fiery judgment will experience the fullness of his presence and blessing.

It was a bright sunny day when a wind surfing instructor stood teaching eight young and enthusiastic 25-year old students. They listened, but after ten minutes of instruction seven left for the lake. They were confident they had heard enough, though the instructor was not yet finished.

I was watching this and noticed the only one left listening was my young husband.