God’s Guiding Word: Hope
Introduction
Isaiah 51:1–16: Today’s reading lifts up Israel’s ancestors, Abraham and Sarah, who obeyed the LORD when they were told to leave their homeland and go to Canaan (Genesis 12:1–5). Isaiah points to them as an example of obedience. Words of comfort and hope are given, along with the assurance of the LORD’s deliverance and victory.
Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 51:12a
The LORD says, “I am the one who strengthens you.”
Reading
51 The Lord says,
“Listen to me, you that want to be saved,
you that come to me for help.
Think of the rock from which you came,
the quarry from which you were cut.
2 Think of your ancestor, Abraham,
and of Sarah, from whom you are descended.
When I called Abraham, he was childless,
but I blessed him and gave him children;
I made his descendants numerous.
3 “I will show compassion to Jerusalem,
to all who live in her ruins.
Though her land is a desert, I will make it a garden,
like the garden I planted in Eden.
Joy and gladness will be there,
and songs of praise and thanks to me.
4 “Listen to me, my people,
listen to what I say:
I give my teaching to the nations;
my laws will bring them light.
5 I will come quickly and save them;
the time of my victory is near.
I myself will rule over the nations.
Distant lands wait for me to come;
they wait with hope for me to save them.
6 Look up at the heavens; look at the earth!
The heavens will disappear like smoke;
the earth will wear out like old clothing,
and all its people will die like flies.
But the deliverance I bring will last forever;
my victory will be final.
7 “Listen to me, you that know what is right,
who have my teaching fixed in your hearts.
Do not be afraid when people taunt and insult you;
8 they will vanish like moth-eaten clothing!
But the deliverance I bring will last forever;
my victory will endure for all time.”
9 Wake up, LORD, and help us!
Use your power and save us;
use it as you did in ancient times.
It was you that cut the sea monster Rahab to pieces.
10 It was you also who dried up the sea
and made a path through the water,
so that those you were saving could cross.
11 Those whom you have rescued
will reach Jerusalem with gladness,
singing and shouting for joy.
They will be happy forever,
forever free from sorrow and grief.
12 The Lord says,
“I am the one who strengthens you.
Why should you fear mortals,
who are no more enduring than grass?
13 Have you forgotten the Lord who made you,
who stretched out the heavens
and laid the earth’s foundations?
Why should you live in constant fear
of the fury of those who oppress you,
of those who are ready to destroy you?
Their fury can no longer touch you.
14 Those who are prisoners will soon be set free;
they will live a long life
and have all the food they need.
15 “I am the LORD your God;
I stir up the sea
and make its waves roar.
My name is the LORD Almighty!
16 I stretched out the heavens
and laid the earth’s foundations;
I say to Jerusalem, ‘You are my people!
I have given you my teaching,
and I protect you with my hand.’”
Reflect
What verses speak of God’s deliverance and victory? What verses speak of God’s promises? What verses remind the people that God is the creator of the heavens and the earth? Reread verses 9–11. For what do the people pray? How does the LORD respond (verses 12–16)?
Pray
Almighty God, you strengthen me day by day as you nurture me with your life-giving word. With joy and gladness I thank and praise you for your teachings as I seek to be obedient to your will. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Isaiah 52:1–12: God will rescue Jerusalem.