Listen

This is what Isaiah, Amoz’s son, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In the days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of the mountains. It will be lifted above the hills; peoples will stream to it. Many nations will go and say, “Come, let’s go up to the Lord’s mountain, to the house of Jacob’s God so that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in God’s paths.” Instruction will come from Zion; the Lord’s word from Jerusalem.

Isaiah 2:1-3

Think

Promises are not made to be broken. This is the image that the prophet Isaiah gives to a dispirited people. Isaiah places before them a vision of restoration and reconciliation where God is amidst God’s people and where the nations will know of God’s abiding presence and desire to follow God’s instruction.

The hope given is to a people who were disobedient and living under the hand of God’s judgement. Yet, judgement is not forsakenness but correction and is purposed to instill wisdom for future decisions.

God made a promise to bless Israel and to bless all nations of the earth through this nation, and God intended to keep this promise. Hope is not trusting in a dream but in what God has said. God’s promises are true!

Miriam Phillips-Stephens

Pray

Promise Keeper, place before your people today a vision of hope to remind us that even in times of despair, we are not forsaken.

Cause me to remember and hope in the words spoken through your servants and your Son.

Uplift my heart in the hope of your presence.

Amen.

Go

Believe that God’s word is active in you and in the world that God has not ceased to love.