15 December 2022
This is like the days of Noah to me:
Just as I swore that the waters of Noah
would never again go over the earth,
so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you
and will not rebuke you.
For the mountains may depart
and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
From Isaiah 54:1-10, NRSV
Isaiah’s words in today’s reading express God’s great joy at the return of Israel. The Babylonian exile had meant oppression, shame and disgrace for the people of Israel but God assures them that this is all now in the past. Isaiah uses words of covenant and of marriage to describe the close connection that God wants again to have with Israel. They may have felt that God had abandoned them but God’s desire was always for the good of the people. Just as the flood waters had receded in the time of Noah, now the shame and disgrace of Israel will recede. God’s kindness towards them will be more certain and sturdy than even the mountains and hills.
- How do you suppose the returning exiles felt at this promise of love and compassion?
- What is your experience of receiving God’s unconditional love and compassion ?
Pray for those who feel abandoned by God or who feel undeserving of forgiveness.
