Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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ARISE AND SHINE
Isaiah 60

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. (Isaiah 60:1)

Chapter 60 carries the words of the Prophet Isaiah on behalf of God to the total community of Israel.  “Arise, Shine; for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (vs 1).  The intention of God is expressed.  God will remember Jerusalem.  Salvation is the theme.  The text is speaking about the exaltation of Zion and carries an apocalyptic message.  The remnant people of Israel need not feel lonely, desperate or rejected.  God will act for the marvelous transformation of Zion and the community of Israel.

1.       It is a wakeup call for the forsaken Zion. (Vs. 1-7)   The city with the people has to rise up.  God would come to Zion as the redeemer.  If darkness and gloom characterized Zion, the prophet is giving a clarion call to ‘rise up’, recognizing the light that comes with the epiphany of God.

2.       Gifts will flow to Zion to make it unique and prosperous:  (Vs. 8-16)

a.        A joyous home-coming of all the people of Israel (vs4).

b.        Wealth from other nations will flow (vs5,6).

c.        Other nations will come and serve You (vs10,14)

d.       Various offerings will come to the altar of God (vs7)

e.       God’s house will be glorified (vs8,13)
3.       The time of violence, slavery or bondage are over:  (Vs. 17-22)    Zion will now be greater than any former display of magnificence (vs 19-20).  Zion will be acknowledged as God’s holy city (vs14).  Its accomplishment will be fast, but according to the time of God.  When God acts and establishes Zion as his holy place of dwelling, the Kingdom will have cosmic and transnational significance.

This is a scripture portion that is usually read during the parish day celebration.  The called out people of God are reminded that their loyalty to the Almighty God is not in vain.  Parish Day will be homecoming of all the members.  God will make them rich with blessings.  They will become a prominent community in the larger society.  The members will bring ‘thanks offering’ to God and the place of worship will be glorified as the house of God.  God gives the experience of eternity when the existing people of God will live by deep faith and strong commitment.  This will be the grace and blessing of God to the ‘called out people’ who look forward to the second coming of Christ.
Prayer: “In your light we see the light Jesus, full of life, It’s your light that shines upon our world, light our minds. May your light reveal the sin in our hearts, as we humbly, pray in spirit and truth”

 MAR THEODOSIUS +

 

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