1 Dec 2009
Advent Devotional
Isaiah 40:1-11
With words of incredible power, the unknown prophet of Israel’s exile in Babylon proclaims the good news God’s people have been waiting long to hear. Deliverance is at hand. God’s people are to be brought home to Jerusalem.
It is God who is doing this, just as a shepherd leads the flock homeward at the end of the day.
These opening words of comfort also contain the promise of deliverance. The long period of incarceration in a foreign land is ending and the prisoners are to be set free. Ahead lies yet another desert trek, but on this road travelers will encounter no wandering as did the Israelites of the Exodus long ago. Rather the high road leads straight home to Jerusalem and traveling will be easy along level ground because this is the highway of Yahweh. This message comes direct from God and is now revealed to everyone.
Is this message of comfort and deliverance trustworthy? Are the Israelites themselves to be trusted? Their loyalty has been as ephemeral as the grass and flowers of the field which today blossom forth and tomorrow vanish. This is the word of the Lord, however, and it stands forever; it can be trusted eternally.
Prayer:
God of new creating, who beckons us to the dance of birthing, and sustains us in our laboring, hear our prayer. Amen.
Cindy Hays