Isaiah

The Rough Reality

December 8, 2019

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, the divine voice tells the prophet – cry out with a new message of deliverance. This is an imperative to speak to the heart of the people who have suffered so much. They needed to hear a word of encouragement and comfort, to move them forward into a new reality. They needed prophetic imagination, to see the new thing God was doing in them and with them.

What Comes Next

November 17, 2019

The prophet now speaks a promise: From the stump – a shoot – new growth from the wasteland. Yes, from the family of Jesse – whose own family tree had been laid to ruin, there would be…hope. The promise of a new king – one who would lead with equity, who would have the gifts of God’s wisdom, justice, mercy, and grace on his side. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest with this one – not just relying on the word of others, he would judge with rightness, would give liberty to those enslaved by broken systems and inequality, would bring about the end of those who would do evil. The prophet promises there is one who will wear rightness and faithfulness like a belt. After bloodshed and the crying of those in need, comes judgment. The promise comes next.