Hello friends! Today's reading covers a lot of ground which means that tomorrow will be the final days we spend in the first book of Isaiah. As promised, the hope aspects, the beautiful salvation language starts to appear in book 2. However, not all is doom and gloom here and today's reading is one example of the more tender hearted side of Isaiah. I think there is a strong message here for us who are trying to make better versions of ourselves this new year. I'll share more on that later. As always I'd love to hear from you and what sticks out to you from the text. Share those with me and others in the comments or by emailing me privately at ngliha@chagrinfallsumc.org
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
I'm not sure what happened but I have no audio when I open this in my editing software even though I have audio in the raw file. Computers are weird, man. So, no audio bible for today and tomorrow, sorry!
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about God?
What does this teach me about humanity?
How does this prophecy feel different from the others?
- My Thoughts -
I liked this reading because unlike other examples of Isaiah where he simply laid out the message of "you're screwed, sucks to be you" this time around he laid out the punishment but inserted the lines of hope in there as well. On a practical note, there are tons of studies and discussions out there on what is the best way to "train" kids, pets, change ourselves, etc. Is it negative punishment, positive punishment, negative reinforcement, positive reinforcement? A mix of all of them? Evidence shows it's not nearly as clear cut as we wish it would be. As we tackle our new years resolutions this year accountability will be key. Find someone who doesn't just berate you for messing up, or someone who only praises you, but find someone who helps refine your flaws and strengthen your gifts. That's what I see from this reading today. Hope and victory will win the day!
Prayer
The God of Abraham Praise UMH 116
The God of Abraham praise,
who reigns enthroned above;
Ancient of Everlasting Days,
and God of Love;
Jehovah, great I AM!
by earth and heaven confessed;
I bow and bless the sacred name
forever blest.
2 The great I AM has sworn;
I on this oath depend.
I shall, on eagle wings upborne,
to heaven ascend.
I shall behold God's face;
I shall God's power adore,
and sing the wonders of God's grace
forevermore.
3 The heavenly land I see,
with peace and plenty blest;
a land of sacred liberty,
and endless rest.
There milk and honey flow,
and oil and wine abound,
and trees of life forever grow
with mercy crowned.
4 The God who reigns on high the great archangels sing, and "Holy, holy, holy!" cry "Almighty King! Who was, and is, the same, and evermore shall be: Jehovah, Lord, the great I AM, we worship thee!"