The Triumphant Glory of God

Covenant with God

Called into Covenant with God

God's Covenant with Israel
Isaiah 60:1-7 The Message

People Returning for the Reunion

60 1-7 “Get out of bed, Jerusalem!
    Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight.
    God’s bright glory has risen for you.
The whole earth is wrapped in darkness,
    all people sunk in deep darkness,
But God rises on you,
    his sunrise glory breaks over you.
Nations will come to your light,
    kings to your sunburst brightness.
Look up! Look around!
    Watch as they gather, watch as they approach you:
Your sons coming from great distances,
    your daughters carried by their nannies.
When you see them coming, you’ll smile—big smiles!
    Your heart will swell and, yes, burst!
All those people returning by sea for the reunion,
    a rich harvest of exiles gathered in from the nations!
And then streams of camel caravans as far as the eye can see,
    young camels of nomads in Midian and Ephah,
Pouring in from the south from Sheba,
    loaded with gold and frankincense,
    preaching the praises of God.
And yes, a great roundup
    of flocks from the nomads in Kedar and Nebaioth,
Welcome gifts for worship at my altar
    as I bathe my glorious Temple in splendor.

For Reflection Pray

I have always had a soft spot for a good marching band.  I remember standing teary-eyed, at the curb in Athens Ohio as the Ohio University (Yes, there is another university besides OSU in Ohio!) marching band danced by, trumpets blaring to the drummer's jazz beat. I then imagine how God must feel when we return to the household with praise and thanksgiving.

Having offered sanctuary to all who recognize God's sovereignty, God greets all peoples with joyous acceptance.  Beneath the poetry of Isiah, lies profound unconditional love which wipes away the soot of profane human obligations. In the household of God, we are free to follow the unconventional wisdom of righteousness.

Pray

Sing praises to God's holy name.  Shout Hallelujah, free at last!