I know that when God wrote Isaiah 60 through the prophet, Isaiah thought He was just talking about Israel, but when I read it I see the New Jerusalem that is promised to all who are called by His name. And then the first 3 verses of Chapter 61 brought tears to my eyes! When Jesus returned from 40 days in the desert He taught in the synagogues around Galilee. In Nazareth He read verse 1 of this chapter, sat down and made the first public declaration of His Messiahship, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Those listening did not understand that He was saying, “Here I am – I AM” (Luke 4: 14-20)
2 Kings 21 & 2 Chronicles 33 both told the story of Manasseh. He did tremendous evil as king and it wasn’t until the king of Babylon captured him, put a hook through his nose and took him off to Babylon that this wayward king recognized his sins and turned back to God. Babylon is often associated as satan’s city, much as Jerusalem is God’s city. As I read this I thought of the hook satan put through my nose (the drugs) and used to drag me down to his sewer-city. It was only when I realized how captive he held me that I could turn to God and beg for my life. When we first read Manasseh’s story we are appalled – but I wonder how many of us would stand up if our lives were written down?
When I was a very young girl (in high school – don’t even try to guess how long ago) I sang soprano in our church choir. In our Christmas cantata was a song based on John 1. As we sang it, I realized for the first time that this chapter talks about Jesus and how He is the Word that was in the beginning. It made such an impression on me that today I can still sing that song.
This week’s readings:
Sonday, Aug 6…….Habakkuk 1-3, John 8
Monday, Aug 7……Zephaniah 1-3, John 9
Tuesday, Aug 8……Jeremiah 1-2; Jn 10
Wed. Aug 9……… Jer 3-4; Jn 11
Thurs, Aug 10………Jer 5-6; Jn 12
Friday, Aug 11………Jer 7-9; Jn 13
Sat. Aug 12………Jer 10-12; Jn 14