May 7th, 2014
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Good News for the Captive

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Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus, one day I will go to be with You. Keep before me that this life is only a temporary assignment.

Read Isaiah 52:1-12

[1] Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor, Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. [2] Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive. [3] For this is what the LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” [4] For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “At first my people went down to Egypt to live; lately, Assyria has oppressed them. [5] “And now what do I have here?” declares the LORD. “For my people have been taken away for nothing, and those who rule them mock,” declares the LORD. “And all day long my name is constantly blasphemed. [6] Therefore my people will know my name; therefore in that day they will know that it is I who foretold it. Yes, it is I.” [7] How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” [8] Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. [9] Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. [10] The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. [11] Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the articles of the LORD’s house. [12] But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright &copy 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.&reg Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Meditate

Isaiah (7) and Paul (Rom. 10:14,15) both saw the importance of those who share the Good News. We need to put on our “Good News Shoes” as we carry the Gospel to others.

Think Further

After two previous calls for Zion/Jerusalem to awake–one to expect a new exodus (Isa. 51:9), the other to recognize restoration from the calamity of God’s wrath (Isa. 51:17)–this third call looks to the joy and salvation of the not-too-distant future (1,2). Instead of being a city infiltrated by defiling elements foreign to its covenant commitments, Jerusalem would again become a holy city. Its visible transformation would usher in a new era of strength and splendor. Instead of being held captive, Zion would soon be able to take action to shake off the past and be free again. This release and restoration is a vindication of God’s faithfulness in bringing to pass the good news he had foretold.

We all long for good news, especially when life is tough and positive change seems unlikely. There are times of serious illness or bereavement; times of unemployment or financial hardship; times of concern for the emotional well-being of family or friends. Sometimes devastating circumstances even lead to crises of faith. We are so grateful when someone is able to come alongside the person in need with the comfort and hope of good news.

Judah’s captives, too, would be grateful to the faithful messenger who announced that God still cared about them and would soon lead them home. The affirmation that “Your God reigns” (7) would encourage them greatly, despite their seemingly hopeless situation (Psa.137:1-6).They would anticipate being greeted with joyful celebration on their return. They would rejoice that God’s salvation and comfort would be evident for all to see. Finally, they would get ready to depart captivity as God’s holy people, in his time and with his protection (cf. Exod. 13:21,22). Maybe there are spiritual equivalents? Paul certainly affirms the indispensable role of those sent to preach the good news of Jesus (Rom. 10:14,15).

Apply

Who do you know that needs good news today? Think of one tangible way you can encouragement them.

Closing prayer

Gracious God, keep me attuned to the Spirit today so that I may grasp opportunities for faith sharing.

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