God’s Guiding Word: Hope
Introduction
Isaiah 33:17–24: In today’s reading, Jerusalem’s glorious future is described, and a righteous king will rule the land.
Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 33:22b
The LORD himself will be our king; he will rule over us and protect us.
Reading
17 Once again you will see a king ruling in splendor over a land that stretches in all directions. 18 Your old fears of foreign tax collectors and spies will be only a memory. 19 You will no longer see any arrogant foreigners who speak a language that you can’t understand. 20 Look at Zion, the city where we celebrate our religious festivals. Look at Jerusalem! What a safe place it will be to live in! It will be like a tent that is never moved, whose pegs are never pulled up and whose ropes never break. 21 The LORD will show us his glory. We will live beside broad rivers and streams, but hostile ships will not sail on them. 22-23 All the rigging on those ships is useless; the sails cannot be spread! We will seize all the wealth of enemy armies, and there will be so much that even the lame can get a share. The LORD himself will be our king; he will rule over us and protect us. 24 No one who lives in our land will ever again complain of being sick, and all sins will be forgiven.
Reflect
How is Jerusalem’s glorious future described? How do you envision what is described in these verses? In what ways has the LORD’s glory been shown to you?
Pray
Lord God, you are my king. Reign in my heart forever. All who worship and praise you are shown your glory, and there is safety in your presence. Thank you for your mercy, forgiveness, and steadfast love. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Isaiah 35:1–10: Israel is renewed as the exiles return home.