Lectionary Epiphany 5
Alleluia! How good it is to sing praises to our God! God heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. God numbers the stars one by one, and calls each by name. Psalm 147:1, 3-4
Reading. Isaiah 40:21-31. This chapter in Isaiah begins by announcing that God’s forgiveness is coming to the nation. The disgrace of the nation is that she has rejected her true Lord and worshipped other gods. Now the Lord declares the sovereignty that is God’s alone and through that sovereignty announces a new beginning. The nation had decided to live without God’s guiding hand, relying on false gods who had no power either to lead or to rescue from harm. Consequently disaster followed but the Lord is offering a new opportunity to live in obedience. This new way will come though the promised Messiah, the messenger who brings good news. There is some irony in the questions: Have you not known? Have you not heard? For they had both heard and known that with God as their leader they would prosper in all their undertakings.(Deuteronomy 28) Despite both hearing and knowing they had followed a disobedient path, but God’s loving forgiveness is still there for the nation to receive.
In the passage for today Isaiah is reminding the nation that God’s promises stand secure, they do not change and what God has promised will be delivered. From Isaiah’s perspective the whole creation beats out the message of a glorious and eternal God. After a passage which is confronting yet also encouraging Isaiah reminds the nation that if they want to regain their strength then their only hope is to come close to the Lord God in obedience. This promise is as valid today as it ever was, “those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”. Isaiah 40:31 (NRSV).Even today this promise is worth serious consideration.
“Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near”; Isaiah 55:6 (NRSV)
Prayer. In this very moment Lord, you come to us. We do not need to approach you for you are always present to us, as scripture says, in you we live and move and have our being. It was you who gave us life and so we praise you for the life we have; Help us always to live a life worthy of you. May we never turn aside to lesser tasks, tasks that lead us away from your desires for us. May we continually bring our praise and adoration of all that you have done for us: May we remember always that it is through Jesus that we have access to you and so never presume on your goodness and grace. To you alone be all glory and power. We praise you name. Amen
Reading. Psalm 147:1-11, 20c. The promise that the Lord will heal the broken hearted and tend to their wounds is a comforting thought to those who are hurting. Often our faith looks for those personal touches particularly when life events have made living difficult. This psalm reminds us that God not only brings healing but also brings justice and justice brings hope of a better future. Then following on from the assurance of the promise to heal, the psalmist reminds us that the God whom we worship is the one who is in control of the whole creation. The one who promises to heal and bring justice has the power to fulfil all the promises that have been made. This gives a great sense of confidence to face life in all circumstances. The bible does not promise that all our troubles will be over but it does promise that with faith in God we will have the strength and the courage to face life.
The psalm is a reminder of how good God has been to Israel. It recounts the blessing of having God with them, working for their salvation. From a Christian perspective it reminds us of how good the gift of Jesus Christ is to us. As we pause to pray and meditate today let us with the psalmist give thanks for all that God has done for us through Jesus Christ. As God’s people we stand in a privileged position, we need to be aware that this position is to be used as a spring board to bring God’s method and nature into all our relationships with others. We are chosen and so we belong to God, it is belonging which changes us, therefore we need to be welcoming to those who do not have a relationship with God so that God may change them just as he was able to change us.
Prayer. Lord Jesus Christ, you are both Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, your promises will never fail, your wisdom and insight never grow cold. Grant us to pass through this coming year with faithful hearts, that in all things we may please you and glorify your name. Grant that we will be mindful of all those throughout our world who are broken hearted due to isolation, separation and grief. We pray also for all those who are health care workers and face each day heart breaking events. May all of us together look to you for the comfort and strength that we need. We pray in the Name of Jesus who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever one God, world without end. Amen
Collect. Almighty God, you sent your only Son as the Word of life for our eyes to see and our ears to hear. Help us to believe with joy what the Scriptures proclaim; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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