April 9 - Promised reign of peace

Contributed by Kathryn Aschliman, retired professor of education on Monday April 09

Scripture

Isaiah 65:17-25 For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the LORD--and their descendants as well. Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent--its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the LORD.

Prayer for the week from Builder O wonderful Teacher, Counselor, Savior and Lord: When I was lost, you called me home; you saved me from my wandering and provided all I need. Now let me walk with you all the days of my life; may I receive with joy the gift of salvation you paid such a heavy price to ensure. Amen.

Devotion

The word of the Lord through Isaiah delivers a promise of Shalom. Joy and gladness prevail. Injustice, conflict, pain and sadness are overcome.

While reading Isaiah 65:17-25, imagine hearing the verses or phrases with positive promises beginning with “I will,” “They shall” and “I am” read in a treble voice while hearing verses or phrases with “No more,” and “They shall not” read in a darker voice.

"The Lord of hosts is exalted by justice" Isaiah earlier declared (5:16). Therefore, the peaceable kingdom described here where "no one shall hurt or destroy" is ruled over by the righteous king who establishes justice. The good news of the gospel is that the victorious king has triumphed over sin and death.

An unforgettable way to announce the good news of the reign of peace is by Easter caroling. As teen-agers we gathered together in the wee hours of the morning and stopped at the homes of sick or elderly people. In that pre-dawn quietness we stood outside the bedroom windows and proclaimed as musically as we could

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes!
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign;
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose!
Robert Lowry, 1874

And because He lives, we have hope of one day entering a world at peace. (See "O day of peace," page 408, “Hymnal: A Worship Book”) In the meantime we can work with the Spirit of God to bring forth new life in our suffering and dying world.

By the way, I'd be glad to join other Easter carolers at 4 a.m. on April 15. Let me know where we should meet.

goshen college | campus ministries | devotions | lent2001