Isaiah 60:1-10 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 60:1-10 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 60Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Verse 2For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Verse 3Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Verse 4Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses' arms. Verse 5Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. Verse 6A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord. Verse 7All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall be acceptable on my altar, and I will glorify my glorious house. Verse 8Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows?
Verse 9For the coastlands shall wait for me, the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your children from far away, their silver and gold with them, for the name of the Lord your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has glorified you. Verse 10Foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you; for in my wrath I struck you down, but in my favor I have had mercy on you.
Devotion
Some people contrast the Old Testament with the New. One is seen as law, God being a stern judge. The other is perceived as gospel, God being love. Texts like this one, though, demonstrate God’s loving mercy in a context many hundreds of years before the New Testament was developed. In the midst of darkness God’s light is promised and revealed. We may see suffering and ugliness, for they are undeniably with us all the time. But, just as reliably, God’s light shines as well. There are wonders to behold: light, reconciliation, and deep pockets of peace. And when Epiphany comes again, remember, this is where the camels come from.
Prayer
For our public servants, the government, and for those who protect us, we pray to the Lord. For those who work to bring peace, justice, health, and protection in this and every place, we pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Amen.