Isaiah 49: A Time of Favor
Third Sunday of Easter , April 23, 2023
In a time of favor I answer you, on the day of salvation I help you, to restore the land and allot the desolate heritages, saying to the prisoners: Come out! To those in darkness: Show yourselves!
All through this portion of Isaiah’s prophecy we hear that we are to trust the Lord, we are to be willing to be his faithful servants, we are not only saved but restored.
They shall not hunger or thirst . . .
When we are suffering through a trial it is difficult to step into the void and put all of our confidence in an unseen force.
Nor shall the scorching wind or sun scorch them . . .
When we are in pain it is difficult to let go and to believe that we are powerless, that our many resources count as nothing before the awesome power of God.
I will cut a road through all my mountains, and make my highways level . . .
When we are immersed in our human world it is difficult to remember that all we see has been created by God . . . not humans . . . and that God is in charge.
Hear me, O coastlands, listen, O distant peoples . . . Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget I will never forget you.
The Lord God wants to redeem each creature that has sprung from his imagination and hands. Who are we to doubt that we are numbered in that flock?
Sing out, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth, break forth into song, you mountains. For the Lord comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted.
The Lord God comforts and cozens his people. He nurtures them as a mother does. Even in dark days – especially in dark days – he loves and nourishes us, watches over us and does not abandon us.
In a time of favor I answer you, on the day of salvation I help you, to restore the land and allot the desolate heritages, saying to the prisoners: Come out! To those in darkness: Show yourselves! . . . I will never forget you.
Eastertide is a time of favor, a time when we celebrate God’s human presence among us, a time when we celebrate out divine presence in Christ, our brother. Let us remember the good news we have been told, and let us declare it to others.
Come out! Show yourselves! . . . I will never forget you . . .
Image from: https://www.clevelandhope.com/hope-notes/2019/6/5/favor
A Favorite from May 13, 2010.
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