1Isaiah 35:4-7a—When the LORD comes, there will be redemption and release for His people
The children of Israel are captives in Babylon and the people are assured that the LORD will come with vengeance to deliver them and bring them back to their country and temple. They are not to be afraid, for the LORD is in control of human history. The nations that persecuted Israel shall be punished. The good news is that God will come and save his people from bondage. When he comes, there will be deliverance for all who are bound in various ways; blind, deaf, dumb and lame. The dry, burning desert will become a place where there is plenty of water.
This is a message only for the “fearful heart.” Who does not have fear? Does this not include everyone? We all have some kind of fear; we differ only in that our fears may be different types. In this passage of Scripture the LORD tells us not to fear. Is it as easy as that? The LORD goes farther in saying he is coming to save us. Fear puts us into captivity. The LORD releases us by coming to us and giving us faith which is the antidote to fear. 2
Be strong and do not fear; God will come. The coming Messiah will bring a standard of excellence. When God comes to redeem His people, health and healing will be evident. The eyes of the blind will be opened; the ears of the deaf unstopped, the lame with leap and the mute will speak. Jesus will quote this passage in Matthew 11:5 to prove that He is the Lord’s chosen and anointed one, the Messiah.
A prayer for the LORD to guide us – Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 3
Sources:
1. The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright © from WELS used with permission for personal and congregational use
2. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
3. Collect for Guidance, Lutheran Service Book ©2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
No comments:
Post a Comment