Isaiah 62:1-5 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 62:1-5 on biblegateway.com
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
Have you seen Jerusalem lately? Isn’t it beautiful? After so many destructions in the past it is built up again with many lovely stone structures. But there is no temple or a new David on the throne. So what about God’s promises? Well, Jerusalem does have a worldwide reputation. Sometimes it is because of acts of violence, just as in biblical times. But has David’s city become the spiritual capital of the world? Or is that now displaced to Rome, Canterbury or Chicago? Pilgrims do go to Jerusalem to visit the holy sites. Some of us pray daily for the “peace of Jerusalem.” The many expressions of biblical faith have spread from the manger in Bethlehem and the magi to virtually every country of the world. This is what the Lord has done, just as promised.
Prayer
Lord, show your presence, your glory, everywhere in the world, not just in an impressive city. Amen.