Readings for: 
Tuesday, August 6: Isaiah 42 – 44 
Wednesday, August 7: Isaiah 45 – 48

Today, I’m going to turn our attention back to our friends at thebibleproject.com for their second video explanation of Isaiah:

As I enjoy this opportunity to serve the greater church at our Churchwide Assembly, some themes that Isaiah brings to light that seem fitting. “I am about to do a new thing” (Isaiah 43: 19), “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 41:10), and the reoccurring image of being shards of clay. Let us remember that as people of God, we are fragile and molded like clay, and empowered to go out into the world. To speak and serve boldly as Jesus’ disciples, and to be a servant to the least of those among us. Together may we set aside our fears to go and do a new thing, as we work and witness in the world around us.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Thursday, August 8: Isaiah 49 – 53
Friday, August 9: Isaiah 54 – 58
Saturday, August 10: Isaiah 59 – 63
Sunday, August 11: Isaiah 64 – 66

The order of business for our Churchwide Assembly for Tuesday and Wednesday has bee busy. Time has been spent introducing the Social Statement on “Faith, Sexism, and Justice” as well as the “Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment.” Both of these will be voted on later in the week. Our biggest news and accomplishment came in the reelection of Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on the first ballot as Presiding Bishop. May God’s blessings be upon her as she continues to faithfully lead this church.

Readings for:
Monday, August 5: Isaiah 36 – 41

We would have to turn back to the early part of June for the last time we had a “story” in sequence from one chapter to another. Back then we were reading the first chapters of Job, when all was taken from him as a “test” to see how faithful Job would be. These few chapters of Isaiah come across as a test as well. What will Hezekiah do? What will the people do? Who will cave in first to the pressure and power put upon the people by the Assyrian King, Sennacherib.

Long story short, Sennacherib boasts of his accomplishments in conquering the surrounding nations. Isaiah and Hezekiah remind the people to be strong in the Lord. Sennacherib flaunts total devastation to the people of God, and reports that no other “god” has been able to stand up to him. What will the people do? Amazingly, they choose to remain faithful, follow Hezekiah, and for that they are rewarded. The Assyrians are destroyed, and Israel restored!

Another test comes in Chapter 38, when Hezekiah falls ill and death looms near. Rather than lament, he relies on the Lord, and is rewarded with many more years of life. Finally, one more test comes as we turn to Chapter 39. Visitors arrive from Babylon, and here Hezekiah fails as he boast of his riches and shows them all off. The end result comes in the prediction that Jerusalem will fall to the hands of the Babylonians (although not for some time). Great words. Great story. And a refreshing change of pace from the Psalms, Proverbs, love songs, and Oracles that we have been reading for the past two months.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Tuesday, August 6: Isaiah 42 – 44 
Wednesday, August 7: Isaiah 45 – 48
Thursday, August 8: Isaiah 49 – 53
Friday, August 9: Isaiah 54 – 58

The events for Monday at Churchwide were mostly a matter or organization and introduction. The afternoon kicked off with opening worship, and it was one to remember. Especially for one who loves liturgy, it was great! The procession in and of it self was worth writing home about. It was complete with kites, flowing waters, and the bishops of the ELCA. It was certainly worthy of the theme “We are Church!”

Readings for: 
Sunday, August 4: Isaiah 31 – 35

I recalled Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem as I read part of chapter 32. Isaiah writes:

⁹ You women who are so complacent,
    rise up and listen to me;
you daughters who feel secure,
    hear what I have to say!
¹⁰ In little more than a year
    you who feel secure will tremble;
the grape harvest will fail,
    and the harvest of fruit will not come.
¹¹ Tremble, you complacent women;
    shudder, you daughters who feel secure!
Strip off your fine clothes
    and wrap yourselves in rags.
¹² Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields,
    for the fruitful vines
¹³ and for the land of my people,
    a land overgrown with thorns and briers—
yes, mourn for all houses of merriment
    and for this city of revelry.
(Isaiah 32:9-13)

Why they are not the same, there are some similarities between Luke 23, where Jesus is on the way to the cross:

²⁷ A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. ²⁸ Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. ²⁹ For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ ³⁰ Then “‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”
    and to the hills, “Cover us!”’^{[b] 31} For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
(Luke 23:27-31)

As Isaiah reflects on the hardships that Israel will face, and as the people lament over the hardships Jesus is facing, the women mourn, but for all the wrong reasons. Wrong reasons because they fail to see the bigger picture. The bigger picture that says Israel’s pending fall in the days of the kings is due to the lack of the people’s faithfulness. Just as, the bigger picture says that Jesus went tot he cross because of our own unfaithfulness.

May we be blessed not to mourn, as the women once did, but rejoice knowing that God has interceded for us through Christ!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

I made it to Milwaukee last night and are looking forward to the events of our Churchwide Assembly. Please keep us in your prayers as we gather, worship, and reflect on God’s mission for the ELCA.

Readings for: 
Saturday, August 3: Isaiah 28 – 30

Chapter 29 is a wonderful reminder of what God’s people can do, when filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Its like an Old Testament of Philippians 4:13:

“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”

Filled with the awe of God: Isaiah tells us:

“The meek shall obtain fresh join the Lord,
and the neediest people shall exult in the Holy On of Israel.
For the tyrant shall be no more,and the scoffer shall cease to be
All those alert to do evil shall be cut off .“
Isaiah 29:19-20

Fitting words this morning as we wake to hear of two mass shootings, one in Dayton and one in El Paso. We need a world full of God’s Spirit. We need a world where all evil things are cut off. We need a world where the tyrant is no more. We need a world where the meek can inherit the earth. While we need all that, knowing that you and I are filled with the power and Spirit of God, remember that you and I are agents of change in a world that seems desperate for peace.

God’s Blessings and our heart felt prayers for those in Ohio and Texas!
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Sunday, August 4: Isaiah 31 – 35
Monday, August 5: Isaiah 36 – 41
Tuesday, August 6: Isaiah 42 – 44
Wednesday, August 7: Isaiah 45 – 48

PS: Today I begin my journey to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. I hope to keep up to date on my blog, however we have many long days of planning the mission, vision, and future of the church. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel, worship, reflect, and go about the business of the greater church.

Readings for the next few days: 
Friday, August 2: Isaiah 23 – 27

Picking up were we left off over our last few days, Isaiah has one more oracle for the nation of Tyre. Like the rest, doom and destruction is coming. However, as we shift to chapter 24, the wrath that has been forcasted for all the aggressor nations of Israel, now becomes a forcast of total Judgement and destruction for all the earth. Didn’t God promise Noah that wouldn’t happen again?? Well, yes, but God’s promise was not to flood the earth, so fire and brimstone is still an open option. Guess that means we all are all to live in fear until that day.

But not so fast . . . Even while destruction seems immanent according to Isaiah, there are two victory songs found in Chapter 25 and 26. Here is our reminder, for all the faithful, that with God there is still victory to be found for those who call upon God’s name. Like the nations surround Israel, all wicked things will come to an end, and in the end the upright with find full restoration with God.

Readings for the next few days: 
Saturday, August 3: Isaiah 28 – 30
Sunday, August 4: Isaiah 31 – 35
Monday, August 5: Isaiah 36 – 41
Tuesday, August 6: Isaiah 42 – 44

PS: I’m going to be attending the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in the coming week. I hope to keep up to date on my blog, however we have many long days of planning the mission, vision, and future of the church. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel, worship, reflect, and go about the business of the greater church.

Readings for: 
Wednesday, July 31: Isaiah 13 – 17
Thursday, August 1: Isaiah 18 – 22

Isaiah’s prophecy shifts away from the coming of “Immanuel” to words of regret, lament, longing, and warning to the nations surrounding the people of God. Take for instance the words spoken to:

• Babylon (Chapters 13 & 14)
• Assyria (Chapter 14:24-27)
• Philistia (Chapter 14:29-32)
• Moab (Chapters 15 & 16)
• Damascus (Chapter 17)
• Ethiopia (Chapter 18)
• Egypt (Chapter 19)
• Babylon, Edom, & Arabia (Chapter 21)
• And yes, even against Jerusalem (Chapter 22)

Oddly enough, in the midst of all of these harsh warnings against the neighbors of Israel, Isaiah shares God’s word of compassion for Moab. But why Moab? What makes Moab so special?

To answer that we have to look back to the story of Abram and Lot in Genesis. Here we may remember that Moab was one of the sons born to Lot after his daughters had slept with him. Weird I know, but this is early Old Testament! As Abraham and Lot parted ways, so separation began. Eventually the nation of Moab was formed, and while they were an aggressor nation against Israel, these were still part of the family of God. Just as Abraham always wanted to reconcile with Lot, God has wanted to reconcile with this sister nation. They had many of the same customs. They had many of the same faith traditions. They had similar roots to God’s chosen people. They were simply “once-removed” and part of the extended family.

So, God speaks through Isaiah . . . words of warning to many . . . and words of hopeful reconciliation to others.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Friday, August 2: Isaiah 23 – 27
Saturday, August 3: Isaiah 28 – 30
Sunday, August 4: Isaiah 31 – 35
Monday, August 5: Isaiah 36 – 41

PS: I’m going to be attending the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in the coming week. I hope to keep up to date on my blog, however we have many long days of planning the mission, vision, and future of the church. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel, worship, reflect, and go about the business of the greater church.

Readings for: 
Tuesday, July 30: Isaiah 9 – 12

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9: 2-7

Definitely a feel good text. Makes me want to break out a few Christmas Carols, as we wait to greet the Christ Child.

If that wasn’t enough, chapter 11 holds its own little treasure . . . the prayer used for confirming the faith of our youth.

The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him (or her), the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 
Isaiah 11:2

May God’s Spirit rest always upon you!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Wednesday, July 31: Isaiah 13 – 17
Thursday, August 1: Isaiah 18 – 22
Friday, August 2: Isaiah 23 – 27
Saturday, August 3: Isaiah 28 – 30

Readings for: 
Sunday, July 28: Isaiah 1 – 4 
Monday, July 29: Isaiah 5 – 8 

Our Year of Scripture moves from the Historical Literature of Ancient Israel and Wisdom Writings of the Old Testament into the Prophets. From Isaiah to Malachi, the next 17 books (with the exception of Lamentations) will take us through the messages (often referred to as “Oracles”) given from God to the Prophet and then directed to either the king or the people. On Sunday morning many of these same readings are coming up in our Semi-Continuous reading of the Old Testament. I’ve given this warning to those here, “these are often dark, harsh, odd texts” but we have to remember this was dark time for the nation of Israel. Kings were corrupt, people were falling further and further away from God, and the message from the prophets reflected all of that. As we turn the page into Isaiah, we will find that his message is no different.

Isaiah’s writings take us to the Southern Kingdom, and the nation of Judah during the time of King Uzziah (2 Kings 15), Ahaz (2 Kings 16) and Hezekaiah (2 Kings 18). Along with speaking directly to the king and the people, Isaiah’s words speak future forward to the coming of Christ. With this, we find a bit of good news and hope in the midst of our daily reading. Take for instance, my reading through chapters 1 – 4 left me asking “did you get all that?” and the simple answer was “no”. Then, starting day 210, I said, “ah!”

“My beloved had a vineyard . . .” (Chapter 5) A familiar text, a familiar story. Even though the vineyard is practically destroyed, I rejoiced knowing the Jesus becomes the new vine grower and that we are all grafted into the vine of God!

“Holy, Holy, Holy . . . ” (Chapter 6) Isaiah’s vision of the throne of God and his encounter with the live coal that touched his lips. What a moment that must have been for Isaiah to take in the splendor of God. For me, I read this an am transported back to my days in college, making toast on the top of a gas range. Seeing a tasty crumb left on the fork after I had toasted my bread, I decided to eat it, yet failed to think of how hot that fork might have been. With a quick sear, the fork left tine marks in my upper and lower lips, with nice blisters in between. Ouch! Isaiah’s coal, might have done the same, and purified him to speak the holiness of God.

“A virgin, shall bear a child and you shall name in Immanuel . . . ” (Chapter 7) God is with us! The future forecasting of Mary and her conception by the Holy Spirit is told for all to hear. Good news is on the way!

Lastly, before I close for today, how about a quick look at the BibleProject.com and as we listen to their break down on the rest of Isaiah.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Tuesday, July 30: Isaiah 9 – 12
Wednesday, July 31: Isaiah 13 – 17
Thursday, August 1: Isaiah 18 – 22
Friday, August 2: Isaiah 23 – 27

Readings for: 
Saturday, July 27: Song of Solomon 

My NRSV Study Bible gives this introduction to Son of Solomon:

“Song of Solomon consists of a series of loves poems between two lovers. The poems don’t tell a story that has a ending, but move back and forth in a celebrate of physical love and desire. The lovers express delight in each others body when they are together. They long for each other when they are apart. They tease and admire each other and boast to others of their love’s charms. Each er lover uses sensuous images from nature and the human world to describe the other’s body. The book concludes with claims about the power and value of love.”
Lutheran Study Bible, NRSV, Copyright 2009, pg. 1076

While reading through, we are witnessing to young, flirtatious, individuals who are head over heals in love. Some odd descriptions are used to describe each other’s body. Not sure I’d get away with describing my wife as being like the “clusters of the vine” (7:8), and for my own safety, I won’t suggest that when I get home. Regardless of how strange the book may read, for the time, it certainly was beautiful imagery that made these too lovers oogle over each other all the more.

One oddity that I noticed, but didn’t dig into too much was the second encounter our fair maiden had with the city guards. (5:6-8) After searching for her loved one, she finds her way to the city streets where she is “beat” and “wounded.” According to the NRSV, her “mantle” is even “taken away.” Was this fair young maiden raped? I read it as she may have been, and graciously, her lover still takes her in without question, without disregard, without any disrespect. This is huge! Especially for the time and place. Had she been “unfaithful” even though it would not have been her own doing, he would have had every right to deny her, have her stoned, or simply walk way leaving her forever shamed. This is a powerful moment and a wonderful example of God’s eternal and unfailing love for us! Without question of our past, we are still loved!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:  
Sunday, July 28: Isaiah 1 – 4 
Monday, July 29: Isaiah 5 – 8 
Tuesday, July 30: Isaiah 9 – 12
Wednesday, July 31: Isaiah 13 – 17

Readings for: 
Friday, July 26: Ecclesiastes 9 – 12

Our quick reading through Ecclesiastes comes to a close, and we take a slight shift from everything being “meaningless” and talk of death to love.

“Enjoy life with the wife whom you love.”
Ecclesiastes 9:9

I nudged my wife as we sat and this phrase together. Life is to short not to share in the company of someone you love. So treat them right, and love them often!

This also makes a great transition for us as we move to Song of Solomon. It’s the love story of the Bible, and our reading for the next day. If you haven’t read it before, fair warning, it’s a bit juicy!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days: 
Saturday, July 27: Song of Solomon
Sunday, July 28: Isaiah 1 – 4
Monday, July 29: Isaiah 5 – 8
Tuesday, July 30: Isaiah 9 – 12