Jerusalem, pictured as a wife who had been barren and deserted, now suddenly finds herself with innumerable children. In reality, the returning exiles, necessitates the expansion of the city to accommodate the crowd. The metaphor continues with marriage imagery of Hosea for the holy city. Chapter 55 emphasizes that God’s salvation is freely extended to his people and to all nations. The benefits assured to David will be renewed. How did we ever come to believe that some people will be excluded from salvation? Chapter 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.” and verses following indicate that The Word of God on the lips of prophets is like a physical force that causes what It speaks. The power of words! How carelessly we throw words around, especially violent words. Think about the common expression “kill two birds with one stone.” How violent! It is said that Rev. Jo Hudson will correct herself and use an alternate expression, “birth two birds out of one egg”. May we all follow her example! Chapter 56 opens with a call to obedience-specifically observance of the Sabbath and the avoidance of evil in general. The ancient custom of observing the Sabbath comes to life because of the feasibility of observing it. It was to become one of the fundamental marks of Judaism. Modern day Jews will tell you there is no major holy day more important than the Sabbath. All other Jewish holidays pale in comparison. Chapter 57 talks of faithless people, those who adore slabs of stone and who have set up idols. Spoken with irony, “I will expose your justice and your works…” Yahweh promises comfort for the afflicted, in spite of the interference of humankind
Jerusalem, pictured as a wife who had been barren and deserted, now suddenly finds herself with innumerable children. In reality, the returning exiles, necessitates the expansion of the city to accommodate the crowd. The metaphor continues with marriage imagery of Hosea for the holy city. Chapter 55 emphasizes that God’s salvation is freely extended to his people and to all nations. The benefits assured to David will be renewed. How did we ever come to believe that some people will be excluded from salvation? Chapter 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.” and verses following indicate that The Word of God on the lips of prophets is like a physical force that causes what It speaks. The power of words! How carelessly we throw words around, especially violent words. Think about the common expression “kill two birds with one stone.” How violent! It is said that Rev. Jo Hudson will correct herself and use an alternate expression, “birth two birds out of one egg”. May we all follow her example! Chapter 56 opens with a call to obedience-specifically observance of the Sabbath and the avoidance of evil in general. The ancient custom of observing the Sabbath comes to life because of the feasibility of observing it. It was to become one of the fundamental marks of Judaism. Modern day Jews will tell you there is no major holy day more important than the Sabbath. All other Jewish holidays pale in comparison. Chapter 57 talks of faithless people, those who adore slabs of stone and who have set up idols. Spoken with irony, “I will expose your justice and your works…” Yahweh promises comfort for the afflicted, in spite of the interference of humankind
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