Isaiah 57:14-21: The Restless Sea
Monday, August 28, 2023
In days when political and civic leaders grapple with the realities of our common world, Isaiah reminds us that the wicked are always with us, obscuring truth, engendering deceit.
The wicked are storm-battered seas that can’t quiet down. The waves stir up garbage and mud. (THE MESSAGE)
In times when religious and community leaders struggle to bring light to a present darkness, Isaiah reminds us that evil relies on chaotic upheaval and unpredictable alliances.
Evil people are like the restless sea, whose waves never stop rolling in, bringing filth and muck. (GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION)
In the hour of darkness when friends and family clash over how to move forward for the good of all, Isaiah tells us that God’s promise of healing and restoration is authentic.
But the wicked are like the tossing sea that cannot keep still; its waters toss up mire and mud. (NRSV)
In the moment of fear and division when anxiety and confusion threaten our relationship with God, Isaiah tells us that there is one person, one person, one bond that calms all fear and quiets all anxiety. Isaiah reminds us that there is a voice that persists as it calls out: Let my people return to me. Remove every obstacle from their path! Build the road and make it ready!
Help and healing, humility and repentance, confidence and hope, eternal promise and love. Isaiah comforts us as he has done for millennia. Isaiah reminds us that God waits eternally for those who look to move from mourning to joy.
Tomorrow, at the table . . .
When we use the scripture link and the drop-down menus to explore various translations of these verses, we discover how we might all survive the restless seas.
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