Today's scripture takes us further into Isaiah's prophecy's and closer to the moment where 2 Kings ends. It features Isaiah's call story as well as a familiar Advent reading. Let's jump in and see what sticks out to you today!
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about God?
What does this teach me about humanity?
Why did Isaiah get a chance at redemption and not Israel?
What differences do I see between Jesus as prophet with his parables and Isaiah?
- My Thoughts -
The key difference I view in Jesus' parables with Isaiah's is the optimism found in his parables. For example, all of Jesus parables (well most of them) point towards the coming Kingdom of God. Even in examples where Jesus references hell he speaks of redemption. The chaff burns, but not the wheat. The goats are damned but the sheep are saved. Isaiah tends to focus purely on the damnation, the exile, the crushing weight of their sin. As we begin this new year its important that we don't only focus on the aspects of ourselves that we don't like and focus on the redeeming parts of us that give us pride too. Don't just look at your weight, or bad habits and be shameful. Jesus wouldn't look at you that way. Whatever your resolutions are, I wish you best wishes with them, and hope that they help bring God glory!
Prayer
As the dawn breaks on a new year, let us give thanks for all we hold dear: our health, our family and our friends.
Let us release our grudges, our anger and our pains, for these are nothing but binding chains. Let us live each day in the most loving ways, the God-conscious way. Let us serve all who are in need, regardless of race, color or creed.
Let us keep God of our own understanding in our hearts and to chant God's name each day. Let us lead the world from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth and from wrong to right.
Let us remember that we are all one, embracing all, discriminating against none.
May your year be filled with peace, prosperity and love. May God's blessings shower upon you and bestow upon each of you a bright, healthy and peaceful new year. - Rev. Marcy Sheremetta