VII.Isaiah speaks to the people about deliverance. How do you hear his words for you today? VIII.Isaiah 25:1-10a (NRSVue) O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name,for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of … Continue reading
I.I noticed as I turned to this Psalm that in some bibles the superscription above the Psalm is “Praise for Deliverance from Oppression.” As you meditate on this Psalm keep those three words in mind, praise, deliverance, and oppression. II.Isaiah … Continue reading
IV.We are thinking today about singing and worship. Why do you think Moses and Miriam and the Israelites were moved to sing and not just “talk about” their experience of God’s deliverance? V.Exodus 15:1–3, 11–13, 17–18, 20–21 (NRSVue) Then Moses … Continue reading
VII.Today look again at the form of Hezekiah’s prayer. Pay attention to the order of the different elements in his prayer. VIII.2 Kings 19:14–20, 29–31 (NRSVue) Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; then … Continue reading
VII.The prophet gives reasons for the people to rejoice and mentions also The Lord rejoicing. Is joy a two-way relationship? Today pay attention to how the joy of The Lord is expressed. VII.Zephaniah 3:14-20 (NRSVue) Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, … Continue reading
IV.Let’s pay attention to the prophet’s summons to sing and rejoice. What does the prophet claim is worthy of rejoicing? V.Zephaniah 3:14-20 (NRSVue) Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel!Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!The Lord has … Continue reading
I.In our passage for this week the prophet begins by asking the “daughters … Zion … Israel … Jerusalem” to sing, shout, rejoice and exult wholeheartedly. Spend some time with the words of the prophet and listen for why the … Continue reading
VII.The people are told to “Depart” and at the same time, For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, How are they to “ … go out …”? VIII.Isaiah 52:7-12 (NRSVue) How beautiful upon … Continue reading
IV.In the first post on this week’s focus Scripture, we focused on what “the messenger … [announced].” Today let’s see what images he associates with God’s reign. After all he does tell us, “… in plain sight they see…” What … Continue reading
VIII.Today we are two days away from Christmas Day and again turn our attention to listening to Mary’s words of praise. As you go to these words once again, listen to Mary. Use your imagination to hear her sing these … Continue reading