A Cascade of Images for God’s Love

Text: Isaiah 54:1-13

Reflection and Question: The first part of this passage raises up in my mind “Sing Oh Barren One” on the album, Sacred Ground, by Sweet Honey in the Rock where their wide harmonies capture the enlarging of the tent of God’s people. Then the voice in Isaiah changes from the third person to God speaking, and the song in my head becomes a baritone solo near the end of Mendelssohn’s “Elijah.” And God says to me, “My steadfast love shall not depart from you!” Believers throughout the ages have used Isaiah’s rich images to express our faith. Is there a setting of these verses that rises in your mind to sustain you?

Prayer: God of all nations, our hearts shall sing in harmony with the music of the spheres in gratitude for Your eternal promise, “All your children shall be taught by God, and great shall be the prosperity of your children.” Thank you, dear God. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).