Isaiah 35:1-7 (NRSV)
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Chapter 35The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus Verse 2it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Verse 3Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Verse 4Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."
Verse 5Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; Verse 6then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; Verse 7the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
Devotion
Advertising thrives on surprise. If attention is captured by the fresh message, we are on our way to something new. Prophecy thrives on surprise. If attention is captured by a message about blind eyes being opened, we are on the way to being opened anew to God's word. God is doing something new in this passage and also in our lives. God is invading creation and investing our space with Good News. The Christian life thrives on surprise.
Prayer
Speak to us, surprising God, so that we may hear your word afresh. Cause the wilderness to blossom, open our eyes, and prepare us for Christ's coming in always surprising ways. Amen.