Reading for June 30th

Read Isaiah 48.9-22. In verses 9-16: Because the Lord is forgiving and gracious, even imperfect Israel may, with God's help fulfill a great purpose (vv. 9-11). What would be impossible for a people left to their own resources was possible with God (vv. 12-16). In verses 17-22: The concluding command: God out from Babylon would be like the flight from Egypt by which Israel had first acheived its freedom (v. 21). So it was appropriate to recall the providential care which had made that beginning possible. Once again God would if, necessary, bring water from the rock to sustain the returning exiles (see Ex 17.1-7). A final word of warning (v. 22) is a necessary addition to the mesage concerning Israel's rebellious nature that echoes through the chapter (vv. 1, 4, 5 18). From the very beginning Israel had received great promises but had failed to respond (especially v. 18). That could happen again and those who, in the pursuit of peace, shunned the risks and dangers of the journey home would find that they enjoyed a worthless tranquility. Comments or Questions..