Isaiah 62:1-5 (NRSV)
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Chapter 62For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. Verse 2The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. Verse 3You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. Verse 4You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married. Verse 5For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
Devotion
My five-year-old daughter loves to dress up as a princess. With rummage sale scarves, costume jewelry, a broken toy crown and an old piece of lace, she transforms herself and asks, “Am I the prettiest princess in the world?” “Yes, you are beautiful,” I reply.
Today’s reading is about God’s transforming power. The name of God’s people caught in captivity will no longer be “Forsaken,” but “My Delight Is in Her.” Isaiah speaks a word of promise to a people who are in need of transformation. Isaiah speaks to us as we, too, long for transformation.
God acts. With a “robe” of water and a “crown” of words (in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), God makes us into beautiful people. We are redeemed by the power and action of God. We are clothed with baptismal promises that make us new. We live life with hope.
Prayer
Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of grace given in baptism. We pray that this gift is made new in us each day, that we will live as people of hope. Thank you for your life-giving, transforming power. We pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen.