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
A lawyer friend of mine tells of representing the defendant in a capital murder trial. The defendant was guilty; he had brutally slain two people. My friend tells me the defendant was the most repulsive human being he had ever met. The defendant was rude, mean and oblivious to the pain he caused. The trial ended with the man sentenced to death.
When the trial was reviewed, there were some irregularities in the process. That meant a mandatory appeal. A few years later, my friend represented the same defendant in the appeals court. The man had become a Christian while in prison. My friend tells me he has never seen such a change. The defendant was kind, respectful, conscientious and honest about his guilt. He was re-sentenced to death. His final words before his execution were, “I come to you humble, sorry and repentant. Warden, I am ready to go home, please.”
Our reading from Isaiah proclaims that God will take what is desolate and make it new. That is the wonder of our God.
Prayer
Holy God, make us new in your grace. Amen.