Forgotten Ground Regained
Hear the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 30:8-17)
Write on a tablet this testimony;inscribe it clearly on a sacred scroll,that it may endure to be read in the days to come:This is a rebellious people, a people who lie,who will not listen to the Lord’s law;who say to the seers, “See no more visions,”and say to the prophets, “Speak pleasantlyand prophesy illusions; depart from the way,turn from the path where you preach the wordof the Holy One of Israel.” So Israelites blaspheme.
Therefore now hear the Holy One of Israel:“Because you despise and spurn My wordand trust in oppression and trust in perversion,your iniquity shall become like a cracking wall,surrounding you and bulging, ready to fallsuddenly to demolish all you have made.It shall break in pieces like a potter’s vesselruthlessly shattered—no shard shall be foundto take hot coals from the hearthstone,or to ladle from the well a little water.”
Now hear again the Holy One of Israel:“In repentance and rest your rescue shall come;in quiet confidence shall come your strength.”
But you refused and said, “No, we will fleeupon fast steeds”; so you shall flee away;and, “We will swiftly escape”; but with swift pursuers.A thousand shall flee at the threat of one;you shall fearfully flee at the threat of five,till you become a remnant, wretched and bereft,like a lone beacon on a barren mountain,like a single flagstaff set upon a hill.
Copyright © 2023 Kathryn Ann Hill
Isaiah 30:8-17 is read on New Year’s Eve
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