Isaiah 35 was written to the children of
Israel in exile, weeping by the rivers of Babylon, tormented by their captors
who demanded they sing happy songs of Zion. It is a vision of a better day, a
promise for those who were worn down by adversity, weakened by suffering, feeble and
fearful of heart, without help, without hope. In the vision cast by the waters
of Babylon a new song of Zion is composed where the wilderness rejoices in the
glory of the Lord revealed and a way is made through the burning sand and haunt
of jackals so that even those who don’t have a lick of sense will not get lost
on the holy highway. Of course, a good portion of those whose hands were
strengthened and knees steadied by the hope of the promise died by the river
where they wept. But for their children born in Babylon the promise did come
true and they returned to Zion singing the songs their parents taught them
which would have been forgotten forever if their captors tormenting them had
not demanded they sing them. As it was for them so it is for us; a promise for
unsteady hands and knees that give way, hope for all held captive to doubt and
fear, trial and trouble, a promise that inspires holy imagination where sorrow
flees from the promise of everlasting joy. Sing the songs of Zion, songs of
hope and happiness, joy and peace, even if you are weeping by the waters of
your own Babylon for the children are listening and learning. Amen. Come, Lord
Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment