Friday February 12, 2021
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 14:1-2
For the Lord will have compassion on Jacob and will choose Israel again.
Isaiah 14:1a
Reflection: God’s compassion for His people stems from the deep Love that He has for them. Despite the waywardness of Israel and their stubbornness against Him, God “chooses Israel again” in Isaiah’s great prophecy. God does not regrettably hold His end of their Covenant relationship while lamenting His choice for Israel. When given the opportunity, He gladly chooses again and again to love them, and His Compassion for them never ceases. Yes, He punishes Israel out of His Justice and Righteousness, but it is done for the purpose of restoring the people to Himself once again.
God’s Love and Compassion do not just fall upon Israel, but also extend to the “foreigner,” those who long to be near to God and to be united with God’s Chosen people. There will be a time when all of His people are lifted up against their enemies, all who oppress them. God will not only remain faithful to His people, but He will bring about His Plan for them. God is unchanging throughout past, present, and future. This is the breadth of God’s great Love for those who belong to Him: His Compassion is poured out upon them through Covenant relationship and goes on into a promise that will be fulfilled. Throughout time, all who are God’s can be sure of His steadfast Compassion and Love.
Prayer: Lord, You are Compassionate and Merciful. You are Loving and Kind. You have Chosen Your People long ago, and have added to them through the Work of Your Son Jesus Christ, and Your Holy Spirit. Thank You that You grant me relationship with You, and that Your Love for me is unchanging. You give me great Peace and Assurance by the Truth that Your Love never fails, even when I do. Please forgive me for me waywardness, Lord. Teach me to be faithful to You as You are faithful. Help me to resist the temptations of the world, that I would remain near to You always. I pray these things in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16; Isaiah 14-16; Psalm 113
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