In this portion of Second Isaiah, Cyrus of Persia has promised release of the Jews from Babylon back to Palestine after their exile. The author begins with the voice of God calling for Israel to be tenderly comforted with the news that the Exile is to end. Jerusalem has paid...

God, help us to honor the Bible’s context by recognizing that biblical images were created to help your children know you. May we never let old images be a barrier to our relationship. You are beyond all images, and someday we will know you as I AM. Amen.


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Lectionary Week
November 30—December 6, 2020
Scripture Overview

Prepare the way of the Lord! This is the theme for the second week of Advent. Isaiah cries out from the wilderness that the people should prepare for the arrival of the Lord. This will be met with shouts of praise and rejoicing. The psalmist tells his audience to prepare the way of the Lord by living rightly, namely by showing love and faithfulness to each other. Second Peter restates that we do not know the day of the Lord’s ultimate return, but we know that the delay is a result of God’s patience and desire for all to come to repentance. Matthew opens his Gospel with a quotation from this week’s Isaiah passage. Here John the Baptist is presented as the one preparing the way of the Lord.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Isaiah 40:1-11. When have you profoundly experienced God’s guidance or protection? How did this experience change you?
Read Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13. Consider the author’s questions. How can you and your faith community return to God to “dwell in God’s land”?
Read 2 Peter 3:8-15a. How might considering God’s time alter your perspective on your daily rush and prompt you toward a greater experience of peace?
Read Mark 1:1-8. When have you reached a spiritual dead end? How did the working of the Holy Spirit help you turn around or move forward in a new way?

Respond by posting a prayer.