December 15, Kathy Para

SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 40: 1-11

“Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God. “Speak kindly to Jerusalem; and call out to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. Let every valley be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rugged terrain a broad valley; then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Call out.” Then he answered, “What shall I call out?” All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. Get yourself up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news, lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news; lift it up, do not fear, say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” Behold, the Lord God will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him, And His recompense before Him. Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

The Biblical scholar, Hobart Freeman, gives us historical background for this passage in which Isaiah addresses the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. He writes that both were politically and economically prosperous during the time that Isaiah was called as a prophet. Freeman states that “the wealth and luxury which resulted from their economic prosperity, together with the spirit of optimism created by their military successes, produced an attitude of carnal self-confidence and careless security….”

I find that as a nation we are much like Judah and Israel. It’s not hard to draw an immediate parallel between the positions these ancient kingdoms held in the world and the position of the United States in our current global community. Certainly in global terms, we enjoy great wealth and luxury and, as was the case with Judah and Israel, we are guilty of iniquities, oppressions, and injustices. As I read the scripture passage, I imagine Isaiah speaking to God’s people who are ready to listen and who long to, again, be drawn to God. Isaiah speaks to those who recognize that as a people they have put their confidence in wealth and might – things that lead to corruption, destruction, and separation from God. To these people, Isaiah says that God has removed their iniquities and that they are redeemed. He tells them to prepare the way because God’s glory will be revealed. And, it gets better! Isaiah reminds them that God’s word stands forever. Unlike people, wealth, and military might, there is nothing fragile about God. Then, God through Isaiah gives the people a charge. Go up on a mountain and announce without fear that God is here and our reward is with Him. Through the ages, God gathers us like lambs into His presence. Our deepest longing, to confidently reside in the presence of God, is satisfied.

PRAYER

Great God, let us recognize the relevance of Isaiah’s words to us both individually and as a nation. Let hear these words of comfort, redemption, and hope. With our words and our lives, give us the courage to proclaim that You are here. Help us live boldly in Your presence as Your redeemed people. Thank You for gathering us to You. Amen.

Kathy Para is an attorney currently serving as a consultant for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. Her free time is spent with Bud, Kimberly, Miles, her extended family, and friends. She enjoys watching her square-foot garden grow and the occasional sightings of Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal on her birdfeeder.