Mourning into Dancing

Note: Due to a rather hectic start to this year, I am slightly behind on these postings. To remedy this, I will increase this week's postings in order to get back on schedule. Thank you.

Haftorah Reading:
Isaiah 54:1-55:5

Up until now, the readings from Noach have focused mostly on G-d's judgement, with glimpses of His mercy. The Haftorah portion now turns to focus on G-d's mercy and forgiveness. Verse 1 of Isaiah 54 begins with the words "shout for joy." G-d's message here, through the prophet Isaiah, is one of comfort for the nation of Israel. In verse 4 of chapter 54, the L-rd tenderly consoles His people, saying they will not be humiliated and will forget the shame and reproach they have felt. In verse 5 He goes on to explain why:

“For your husband is your Maker,
Whose name is the LORD of hosts;
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel,
Who is called the God of all the earth."*

In other words, Israel's redemption is not because of anything they have done or will do to deserve it. In fact, the omniscient G-d knows that His human creations will continue to fail and to stumble. Thus their redemption is not because of them, but because of their G-d. It is because of G-d's good and merciful character that His people are redeemed. He alone is mighty to save.

Verses 9 and 10 of Isaiah 54 recall the time of Noah and the flood, but again end with a reminder that G-d has compassion and His covenant will not be shaken. This theme of comfort and encouragement continues into the beginning of Isaiah 55, where the L-rd entreats His children to look to Him to meet all their needs and bear their burdens.

This portion concludes with a promise in Isaiah 55:3b-5 that G-d will make an everlasting covenant with His people Israel, that they will be a witness to the nations and that a nation that they do not know will run to them, because the L-rd G-d Himself will glorify them.

My prayer today is that I would remember that there is nothing I can do to make myself right with G-d. Redemption and grace are His alone to give, and He gives them because of who He is, not what I have done to earn them.

Next: B'rit Chadashah: Matthew 24:36-46

*New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995 (Is 54:5). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.