Instruction
Scripture: Isaiah 51:4-6
This reading is set in the midst of a prophecy which is
intended to comfort people who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord. The
portion of the chapter that is appointed for the pericopes calls the reader to give
heed to the Lord pointing out that the Lord comes to those who wait for Him and
He also sends righteousness and salvation. The reading also declares that the
heavens, the earth, and all who dwell in them will come to an end – but God’s
salvation and righteousness will not end. This reminds the reader to look for
hope beyond this world and this life, and to focus on what the Lord has done
and will do to redeem His people.
Teaching
Isaiah 51 begins with the call, “Listen to me, you who
pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord ….” This is important for
understanding what is read in the rest of the rest of the chapter. These people
lived in the real world where things go wrong, injustice is common, and
righteous living is scoffed at. God is saying, “Pay attention to Me. I am
calling you and I will show you what I will do. Don’t focus on your situation.
Focus on Me.” In fact, He says, “Give attention to Me, My people, and give ear
to Me My nation …,” in verse 4.
What does God want His people to hear? He wants them to hear
that He will bring righteousness to them and deliver salvation that goes out to
the ends of the earth. His righteousness and salvation are so powerful that,
although everything in the world will pass away, even after the world has worn
out and the heavens have vanished like smoke, God’s righteousness and salvation
will remain.
Life
The world will end. People we love will die. For all of our
efforts to save the environment, it will wear out and vanish. If those things
are true (and they are!) what should our lives revolve around? Isaiah writes
about God’s righteousness and salvation. His salvation has gone out and Jesus
has both died and risen to save us from sin and death. The impact of that
salvation is that it has made us righteous in God’s sight. Our sins are
forgiven and we have been promised eternal life. God’s righteousness and
salvation are now the foundation of our lives as people who look for the end of
this world and desire one that lasts forever and can never be dismayed.
Prayer
Lord God, You created this world and You will bring it to an
end, but Your salvation and righteousness last forever. You have given these to
us, and we too will last forever because of Jesus’ resurrection.
Thank you for bringing justice to light in the cross of
Christ, and for setting us right with You.
Forgive us for living as though this world mattered most,
and as if it would last forever. Forgive us for times we have given up hope
that righteousness and salvation will be ours.
Set the images of a worn out world and heavens that vanish
like smoke in our minds to make us mindful that You have more in store for us.
Remind us that we will die so that we live accordingly. Comfort us with the
truth that Your salvation is forever and Your righteousness will never be
dismayed. Amen.
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