As I write this on a sunshine-filled Saturday morning, my Jewish friends are spending most of the day in the synagogue, atoning for their sins. Faithful Jews use this time, Yom Kippur, to reflect how God judges each according to his or her life, and inscribes their fate in the Book of Life. And God is eager to hear their confession and to forgive their sins.
It’s a time of “cautious hope,” writes Rabbi Sacks. “We have admitted the worst about ourselves and survived.”
As we read these verses in Isaiah, written centuries ago, let's think for a moment about the gods that Israel's enemies worshipped. Assyria, the invincible superpower of the day, was threatening Jerusalem with conquest. Assyrians worshipped fickle gods - cruel, harsh and unforgiving The best you could hope for was to appease them, certainly not to receive forgiveness.
On the other hand, the God of the Jews loves his people, and longs for them to come into right relationship with him. And - this is where it gets really good - he admonishes his people to share this good news with others - yes, even with gentiles!
"I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." v. 6b.
Yom Kippur is a beautiful reminder of how God forgives sins. Yet, even when God called the Jews his chosen people, he had plans to spread the Good News beyond the Jews to 'ends of the earth.' You are all familiar with the Great Commission in Matthew 28. It's roots are here in Isaiah 49, and they permeate the old testament scriptures.
What a mighty God we serve! Angels bow before him. Heaven and earth adore Him. What a mighty God we serve!
Lord, I confess that I sin daily, and I ask for forgiveness. Thank you for making your salvation available to all, even a sinner like me. Help me to share the Good News so that others can receive eternal life and that your name is praised to the ends of the earth. Amen.
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