God’s Guiding Word: Hope
Introduction
Isaiah 52:1–12: Today’s reading includes a summary of Israel’s history of captivity, comparing their time in Egypt (Genesis 46:1–4; Exodus 1—15) with the capture by Assyria of the northern kingdom of Israel and Babylonia’s capture of the southern kingdom of Judah. Now Jerusalem is called to rise up and celebrate God’s promise to rescue the people and free them from captivity.
Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 52:10
The LORD will use his holy power; he will save his people, and all the world will see it.
Reading
52 Jerusalem, be strong and great again!
Holy city of God, clothe yourself with splendor!
The heathen will never enter your gates again.
2 Shake yourself free, Jerusalem!
Rise from the dust and sit on your throne!
Undo the chains that bind you,
captive people of Zion!
3 The Sovereign LORD says to his people, “When you became slaves, no money was paid for you; in the same way nothing will be paid to set you free. 4 When you went to live in Egypt as foreigners, you did so of your own free will; Assyria, however, took you away by force and paid nothing for you. 5 And now in Babylonia the same thing has happened: you are captives, and nothing was paid for you. Those who rule over you boast and brag and constantly show contempt for me. 6 In time to come you will acknowledge that I am God and that I have spoken to you.”
7 How wonderful it is to see
a messenger coming across the mountains,
bringing good news, the news of peace!
He announces victory and says to Zion,
“Your God is king!”
8 Those who guard the city are shouting,
shouting together for joy.
They can see with their own eyes
the return of the LORD to Zion.
9 Break into shouts of joy,
you ruins of Jerusalem!
The LORD will rescue his city
and comfort his people.
10 The LORD will use his holy power;
he will save his people,
and all the world will see it.
11 Be sure to leave Babylonia,
all you that carry the Temple equipment.
Touch no forbidden thing;
keep yourselves holy and leave.
12 This time you will not have to leave in a hurry;
you will not be trying to escape.
The LORD your God will lead you
and protect you on every side.
Reflect
What is the “good news” in verses 7 and 8? According to verses 9 and 10, what does God promise? How is this return to be different from the exodus from Egypt (verse 12)? In what ways does your community of faith celebrate God’s faithfulness?
Pray
God of power and might, thank you for your faithfulness and for leading me each day and sheltering me with your protecting love. I rejoice and shout for joy and praise you for your good news of salvation and steadfast care. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Isaiah 54:1–17: Jerusalem’s future is described.