Category: Cary Killough

Isaiah 49:1-7

This text is used for the Lectionary Year A on January 15th, 2017.

What is a calling? When someone is asked about their calling many times that person will recall a specific time or event as the moment when there was an understanding that this was what God wanted to accomplish in their life. The servant, mentioned here, declared a specific call from God was received while still in the womb (49:1). Not only did this call provide a great sense of confidence for this servant, but there was also a sense of being specially prepared for the mission for which this servant was called.

The special equipping the servant received was a “mouth like a sharpened sword.” Additionally, the servant was “made into a polished arrow” (49:2). The fact that the servant had a mouth like a sharpened sword and was made into a polished arrow could possibly indicate that this servant’s message had the ability to pierce his hearers’ hearts. Regardless, the servant’s ability to communicate the master’s message was potentially effective.

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Isaiah 42:1-9

This text is used for the Lectionary Year A on January 8th, 2017.

The structure of the passage is quite succinct and clear. The first half (vv. 1-4), God was speaking directly to the servant. In so doing, God affirmed the servant by declaring him as being approved and empowered. God even foretold of the servant’s future success. Verse 5 is a transition that will lead to God speaking directly to the servant. In the remainder of the passage God turned His attention to the servant (vv. 6-9), He affirmed and reassured the servant had been commissioned and empowered by God to accomplish the task for which he had been called.

This servant’s method was much different from that of the kings of the day. The servant would not complain and “shout or cry out” (v. 2) when the responsibility became overly difficult and burdensome. Neither would this servant treat those who were considered less or disadvantaged – the “bruised reed” and “smoldering wick” (v. 3) – as objects to be discarded. No, this servant would be in great contrast of the kings; Cyrus, Josiah or Jehoiakim, of the servant’s day.

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Isaiah 63:7-9

This text is used for the Lectionary Year A on January 1st, 2017.

iran-darroudi-paintings-paydari-jpglargeIsaiah 63:7 begins and closes with the same word, “ḥesed” which is translated, “steadfast love.”  This great encourager was wanting the recipients to reflect and remember on the goodness and compassion of God. As the people remembered God’s actions that demonstrated His “steadfast love” they would begin to join in praising God.

The writer of this passage may very well have inspired from Psalm 106:1-2 as it closely parallels the beginning of this passage. As this unidentified speaker was delighting in God’s steadfast love by drawing on two of God’s great characteristics – goodness and compassion he was encouraging the people to remember the mighty past deeds of God toward his people that consistently displayed His steadfast love for them.

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Isaiah 52:7-10

This text is used for the Lectionary Year A on December 25, 2016.

watchtower in novgorodIsaiah 52 is part Deutero-Isaiah (Isaiah 40-55). At the time of this writing, Israel was being held captive. Captivity was harsh. Freedom for Israel was nonexistent. The principle city, Jerusalem, had been severely damaged.  Despite Israel’s circumstances, hope was alive because they believed Yahweh would provide deliverance. Their hope was deeply grounded in their past. They remembered that Yahweh’s power had freed Israel from Egypt after 400 years of captivity. That single thread of hope had been tightly wound around the hearts of the people for years. Now, with great anticipation, the good news of a new Exodus was hopefully coming.

The one who was bringing the news shared four distinct messages of hope. The messages were that of peace, goodness, salvation, and divine rule. The message of peace was exactly as the word implied. There would be a noticeable absence of conflict and strife. Consequently, there would be a spirit of unity among the people. The message of goodness conveyed the idea there would be an attitude of helpfulness that would build and strengthen the community. The third message was of salvation which indicated deliverance by Yahweh himself. Yahweh would protect and deliver Israel from anyone or anything that would seek to overpower His people. All of three messages were made possible by the fourth message. Through Yahweh’s divine rule peace, goodness and salvation to His people would be possible.

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