The Lord will always take us back.

Thursday,12/15/11

In the first reading God speaks to the Israelites who had been captives in Babylon for seventy years. He said they had been like an unfaithful wife whom he needed to put aside for a while. But now they have redeemed themselves, and God welcomes them back with open arms. The message for us is that if we have sinfully turned away from God he will always welcome us back when we turn from sin.

This reading is an example of the fine poetry we have from Isaiah. A few of today’s lines found their way into a popular Bible song.

Though the mountains may fall and the hills turn to dust,
 yet the love of the Lord will stand as a shelter for all who will call on his name.
 Sing the praise and the glory of God.

Could the Lord ever leave you?
 Could the Lord forget his love?

Though a mother forsake her child,
 he will not abandon you.

Thought the mountains may fall and the hills turn to dust, yet the love of the Lord will stand . . .