Advent devotions: Dec. 16, 2017

Saturday December 16

Isaiah 54:1-10 Future glory of Zion

Sing, O barren one who did not bear;
   burst into song and shout,
   you who have not been in labor!
For the children of the desolate woman will be more
   than the children of her that is married, says the Lord.
Enlarge the site of your tent,
   and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;
do not hold back; lengthen your cords
   and strengthen your stakes.
For you will spread out to the right and to the left,
   and your descendants will possess the nations
   and will settle the desolate towns.

Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;
   do not be discouraged, for you will not suffer disgrace;
for you will forget the shame of your youth,
   and the disgrace of your widowhood you will remember no more.
For your Maker is your husband,
   the Lord of hosts is his name;
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,
   the God of the whole earth he is called.
For the Lord has called you
   like a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit,
like the wife of a man’s youth when she is cast off,
   says your God.
For a brief moment I abandoned you,
   but with great compassion I will gather you.
In overflowing wrath for a moment
   I hid my face from you,
but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,
   says the Lord, your Redeemer.

This is like the days of Noah to me:
   Just as I swore that the waters of Noah
   would never again go over the earth,
so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you
   and will not rebuke you.
For the mountains may depart
   and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
   and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,
   says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

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In my understanding of this piece of scripture, God is proclaiming that women will reclaim their rightful place on this earthy by her descendants. The descendants will spread from nation to nation. Women will no longer fear or hide from shame but take their rightful place through the redemption of our Lord right up to the covenant of peace. For example, Ruth was widowed at a young age, but she trusted in her God to help her through the most difficult time in her life; her faith brought her to a better place and she prospered. Mary the mother of Jesus Christ was betrothed to Joseph, who was a descendent of David, and was expecting a child. She put her faith in our Lord and declared her undying love for the Lord. Mary the mother of God did all that was asked of her without any hesitation, Mary Magdalene was despised by the townspeople who considered her nothing but a common prostitute. She too became a devoted followers of Christ, and helped spread the good news of Jesus.

I myself found this piece of scripture very comforting, especially with what is happening in my life now. Whether it is walls obstructing my view or obstacles disrupting my path, all I do is say a prayer of faith and give it up to the Lord. For example I was not able to keep up with my bills for a while. I took it to the Lord in prayer. Two days later I was notified by e-mail from the Carmel Central School District offering me a position as a school nurse. Praise the Lord!

Prayer: My dear heavenly Father your infinite love and compassion never cease to amaze me. You have given me the strength and the wisdom that I did not know I had in me through your redeeming hand. You have given me great support through my children, family, and friends. For that my Lord I am and will always be eternally grateful Amen.

Joanne Halbekath