The Women of Jerusalem

Today’s text from the prophet Isaiah is a word of warning and of hope. It is a warning against unwise complacency – especially for the people of Israel who faced the coming judgement of the exile. And it is a word of hope for a coming time when the Spirit of the Lord would be poured out on His people. Notice how the text warns against complacency and security, but then promises peace and safety. What does this mean for us today?

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to read from  Isaiah 32:9-20

REFLECTION

Get Ready

by Judy Webb

The Women of Jerusalem

Advent is a time of waiting, of watching, and of wonderment. It is not a season to glide through because it has lost its wonder. We should use this time to prepare, knowing that these weeks before Christmas are important moments. These four weeks are a time for us revisit the manger, look to the child, and be amazed at the wonder of it all.

Jesus is coming, and it is not a time to become complacent.

“In a little more than a year you who feel secure will tremble; the grape harvest will fail, and the harvest of fruit will not come.” (verse 10)

Isaiah is instructing the women of that time (and us too), not to get too comfortable with life. Like the concept of the frog in the kettle, it can be human nature to become hardened to what is happening around us. Sin becomes common, comfortable even, and suddenly we don’t even recognize it for what it is. Isaiah’s words remind all that life can change at the drop of a hat (example: 2020). Rich today / poor tomorrow, healthy today / in hospice tomorrow. There are no guarantees so there is no place for complacency

“how blessed you will be, sowing your seed by every stream, and letting your cattle and donkeys range free.” (verse 20)

These words are a wake-up call. The women are told to prepare, be on guard and ready to deal with trouble when it comes. And to patiently continue to complete daily chores as an expression of trust in God, while waiting for the joy to be restored to your life.

Jesus is coming, and it is not a time to become complacent.

UALC CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - WEDNESDAY

JUSTICE - Stir up the power of your Holy Spirit to create reconciliation and justice where we cannot. We are enmeshed in the sin and hurt and futility of a fallen world. But you, O God, have raised Jesus from the dead and poured out the Spirit of your new creation. Reconcile us to one another across the divides we alone cannot cross, in the justice and wholeness only you can create.