Reading from Sunday, September 26

Alright alright. It's Saturday night.

Reading for September 26
Isaiah 48:12-50:11
God continues his speech in this reading, but Isaiah also jumps in somewhere in the middle. The first thing I want to point out is this verse:

¹⁵ "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
       and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
       Though she may forget,
       I will not forget you!

This is extremely interesting for several reasons. On one hand, this shows that God feels for all people the way a mother feels for her child. So even during the destruction of the people of Egypt and the genocide of the Midianites, God felt at least some sadness about that loss. He had to if he is likening the relationship between himself and us to a mother and child. 

The second thing that I find interesting about this is what I discovered last night. That God's virtuous actions and reason for protecting his people are for his own benefit. So he can receive praise from his people. It's kind of like keeping hostages alive so the random money won't go away. So how do you reconcile this idea of a mother and child, possibly the most pure, selfless kind of love with the idea of a God who keeps his people happy and alive so they can praise him?

Then there's a quote from Isaiah where he presents an idea that is distinctly Jesus:

⁵ The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears,
       and I have not been rebellious;
       I have not drawn back.
 ⁶ I offered my back to those who beat me,
       my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;
       I did not hide my face
       from mocking and spitting.

This is the genesis of the idea of turning the other cheek - possibly one of Jesus' most well known ideas. Really interesting to see it here in the Old Testament, although it is not being issued like a command the way Jesus did. This is merely Isaiah saying "here's something I did". More of a lead by example kind of thing.

Ephesians 4:17-32
Yes. Yes. Yes.

 ²⁹Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³²Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Psalm 69:1-18

 ¹⁵ Do not let the floodwaters engulf me
       or the depths swallow me up
       or the pit close its mouth over me.
 ¹⁶ Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love;
       in your great mercy turn to me.
 ¹⁷ Do not hide your face from your servant;
       answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.
 ¹⁸ Come near and rescue me;
       redeem me because of my foes.

Proverbs 24:5-6

 ⁵ A wise man has great power,
       and a man of knowledge increases strength;
 ⁶ for waging war you need guidance,
       and for victory many advisers.

OK. Goodnight.