Choose Joyনমুনা

DAY 25 - SHOUT FOR JOY

Reflection: The book of Isaiah is now addressing the people of Israel’s southern kingdom, Judah, in exile. These chapters are full of comfort and hope in line with Isaiah’s overarching theme, the trustworthiness of God.

Sometimes we find ourselves in exile, too. Perhaps we have fallen out of relationship with God and feel far from him. Or we are alienated by broken relationships and feel there’s nowhere to turn. Or maybe we’ve been building life our own way, without thought of God, and now realise how stuck we are.

Just as Isaiah’s words were full of joy for the original readers, so too us. However bad things may seem, there’s good news to be heard. Peace and salvation can be proclaimed over our lives. God still reigns, even if we don’t realise or remember. And he longs to enter the ruins of our lives, as he did to the ruins of Jerusalem, and comfort his people.

Paul borrows from today's Isaiah passage, when he writes: 'As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15 NIV). The context for Paul is that across all of time, people are living in exile from God, but can find a way to freedom by hearing the good news and calling on God. But to hear the good news, believe and call on God, someone must first share the good news of Jesus with them (Romans 10:14). Part of our calling, whatever stage we’re at in the Christian walk, is to bring this good news to others. It’s such good news that, as Isaiah writes, we can’t help but shout for joy and burst into songs of joy together.

Choose joy: Turn back to God today, or tell someone the good news of his salvation, that they might turn to God too.