Delaware Dad

Isaiah 56:3 RSV — Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will surely separate me from his people”; and let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.”

Isaiah 56:7 RSV — these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

This chapter continues the theme of inclusion from 55. It is amazing to see this message hundreds of years before Jesus stretches his ministry out to the wide world.

Here is also a damning condemnation of what Israel has become:

The door is opened to all believers and the earthly hierarchy is smashed.

Isaiah 9:2 RSV — The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.

Delaware got cold today. In many ways, it is a land of deep darkness.

Today I feel the hope and anticipation of Christ’s birth and victory over death.

Luke 4:18-21 RSV — “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Isaiah 54:13-14 RSV — All your sons shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the prosperity of your sons. In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.

Immediately following the suffering of the Messiah, God tells his people how they will be healed.