This week we hear the prophet’s promise that God will restore the people, setting a feast of celebration before them. We still need to hear that promise that our Lord can restore us to life again and deliver us from our own times of isolation.
This week our Saturday worship will be moved to the sanctuary for our “Christmas at ELC” concert at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday– 8:30 a.m. traditional worship with Holy Communion
9:30 a.m. Sunday School (Christmas program rehearsal)
10:30 a.m. Sunday School Christmas program
December 15, 2013
Isaiah 55:1-11
Key Verse: “Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1
Time: mid 500’s BCE
Background: The book of Isaiah was written at a time when God people, Israel, were in exile. It includes words of judgment and words of promise. Much of the New Testament quotes from Isaiah, since the people had once again been conquered, this time by Rome. They clung to Isaiah’s words of deliverance as they heard the new words of promise delivered by Jesus.
This passage begins with an invitation to a free and decadent banquet, given by the Lord. God’s freedom cannot be bought with money, but is given freely as a gift.
It goes on to promise deliverance to a people in exile. Deliverance comes with an upheaval of the system: the lowly will be brought up, and the lofty brought down. Finally, God’s word will spread throughout the land. It will not go out and return empty, but will become richer as it is spread.
Community: For what does your community thirst? How can your community of faith quench the thirst of those in need?
At Home: Make a list of your top 10 values. Where does money, or financial security, fall on your list, if at all? What are some gifts God has given you that do not involve money? What could you part with that involves money? Give up one material thing this week in favor of a spiritual gift.
Read This Week:
Monday, Dec 16, God’s People Are Comforted, Isaiah 40:1-11
Tuesday, Dec 17, The Suffering Servant, Isaiah 53:2-12
Wednesday, Dec 18, A Promise of Help and Healing, Isaiah 57:14-21
Thursday, Dec 19, Injustice and Oppression to Be Punished, Isaiah 59:1-8
Friday, Dec 20, The Good News of Deliverance, Isaiah 61:1-11
Saturday, Dec 21, The Glorious New Creation, Isaiah 65:17-25
Next Week: Sunday, Dec 22, Word Made Flesh, John 1:1-18
