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
God delights in restoring broken relationships. The people of Israel were separated from the presence of God in Exile, a presence that was visibly taken away when Jerusalem was captured and the temple destroyed. But God delighted in bringing God's people back into relationship by restoring Jerusalem, rebuilding the temple and treating them as if God and God’s people were newlyweds.
Through all generations and in many different ways, this has been the work of God for us, restoring and rebuilding broken relationships. What has been torn down in your life that separates you from God? Know that God is actively working to bring you restoration and healing, hope and a future.
Prayer
Show me your presence, O God, so that I will know that you are with me and will never leave me. Amen.