The Passing Of The Peace?

In liturgical churches, this past Advent Sunday carried the theme of "Peace"-- a theme made ironic, and perhaps even confusing, in light of the recent experience of many Americans in these United States. While it is important to note that not all systems of justice are racist, we must acknowledge that the recent events in Missouri and New York have implied that Black lives are insignificant and expendable, that persons in law enforcement are free to act without regard to law, and that due process is not afforded to all communities.

In the midst of our prayers for justice and our outrage at the apparent prosperity of wickedness, God sent a clear word to Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Althea reminded us of our 'modus operandi' as Christians: We don't look at the storms. We look to our Lord who reigns above every storm and trial of life.

Our pastor reminded us of the tyranny of Herod, whose lust for power led him to kill his own sons as assurance that no one would usurp his throne. Upon hearing of the prophecy of a Messiah being born, Herod conducted a targeted act of infanticide. Every male child in his region aged two and under was killed. (see Matthew 2:16)

Then, and now, a question emerges: How do we conduct ourselves in the midst of so much chaos and despair? Pastor Althea gave us the answer at the start of Sunday's message: This is Advent... and Advent is a season of expectancy. We are anticipating that God will show up to save, heal, and deliver us.

Today, let's re-read the Isaiah passage that Pastor Althea referenced on Sunday. As we read, let us pray that God will remove disappointment from our hearts and reinstate excitement. It is Advent! This is the Advent of Peace! Our Lord will come to institute His shalom!

Lord God, we believe Your word. We anticipate Your advent. We experience Your peace.

Isaiah 40:1-11

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.

A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?”

“All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain, You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”

See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

All Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

I Can Run For Miles And Miles And Miles...

In Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Sam noted that one aspect of God’s incomparably great character is that our Lord has inexhaustible stamina.

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” (Isaiah 40:28)

Pastor Sam shared something that I would like us to consider today: God has no need to relent or resign.

God cannot be exhausted. He cannot be bewildered. And, further, He has imparted His amazing, inexhaustible stamina to His people! Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Are you in the middle of a situation that seems as if it might wear you down, make you ill, or even plunge you into despair? Take heart. Remember who you are and Who you serve. Place your hope in our Almighty God-- the Creator, the Lord of Life, the Ruler over every circumstance, the Lover of our souls. Whether He changes your situation, or whether He glorifies Himself in the midst of your challenges, remember that He is present to renew you, to keep you strong, and to cause you to soar in faith and grace.

Hope in the Lord. Soar. Run. Walk.

All Scripture references are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Power, Steering.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29)

In this past Sunday’s sermon, we learned that we can rejoice and rest in God’s character traits. One of the traits Pastor Sam spoke of is God’s amazing grace. It is a grace that keeps our minds and souls secure in the face of despair.

Our pastor referenced Second Corinthians 12. It is a fascinating chapter that captures Paul’s sense of security in God, even in the face of suffering. As Pastor Sam noted, Paul is strengthened in a situation that will not change. Paul says:

“…in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (Second Corinthians 12:7b-9)

As we continue reading the chapter, we see that Paul was not merely speaking theoretically. Paul had personally experienced the power of God at work in and through him as he continued in ministry:

“I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles.” (Second Corinthians 12:12)

God’s amazing grace is not simply a grace that keeps us content in Him as we go through trials. It is a grace that helps us, even in our weak state, to be mighty in His power. We see this theme reflected in Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10) The strength is not contingent upon our personal circumstances. Rather, it is the power of God at work in us.

As I prepared to write today the Lord reminded me of an incident that occurred last year, in August 2013. A woman, who had received devastating news in her personal life, then had the extreme challenge of encountering a gunman who had come to shoot the staff and students in the school where she worked. Antoinette Tuff, in her weakness, was able to save lives because of the power of God at work in and through her. I encourage you to watch excerpts of an interview where Ms. Tuff credits God as the source of her hope. Click here to view the interview excerpt.

Lord God, Your grace strengthens us! Your grace empowers us! Cause us to demonstrate the marks of a true apostle: signs, wonders, and miracles, all done in Your name and by Your power. Amen.

All Scripture references are taken from the NIV: Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Closer.

During the sermon series An Invitation to Hope in a Time of Despair, Pastor Sam has encouraged us to reflect on God’s control, compassion, competence, and character. In yesterday’s services we spent time focusing on the final segment of the series: God’s incomparably great character.

Today, let’s re-read the key passage of the series. As we continue through the week, we will reflect on various points shared in the sermon.

Isaiah 40:27-31 (NIV)

Why do you complain, Jacob?
    Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord;
    my cause is disregarded by my God”?
Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Taking Notes

Yesterday we heard Part 3 of the sermon series An Invitation to Hope in the Face of a Time of Despair. Pastor Sam noted that in moments of despair, our strategy is not to look at our circumstances; instead, we look to Jesus.

An interesting phenomenon in Scripture is that, for those who look to the Lord in times of crisis, a song often emerges. We see this pattern in several of the psalms: the writer begins with expressions of lament or hardship, but then reminds himself of God's greatness.

Today, let us read Psalm 147. This particular psalm, like Isaiah 40, focuses on the greatness of God as revealed in His creative power. As the focus was shifted from life's crises to God's creativity, the exiles were called to hope in this great God. In moments where personal issues threatened to derail them, these exiles could simply look at nature and be encouraged.

The God of the exiles, the same God who made this whole world, is our God-- and He has not lost His ability to create. The same God who created order in the universe can create order in our hearts and lives, often through means we can't even imagine.

I will focus on God's greatness today. Will you?


PSALM 147 (NIV)

Praise the Lord.

How good it is to sing praises to our God,
    how pleasant and fitting to praise him!

The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
    he gathers the exiles of Israel.
He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars
    and calls them each by name.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
    his understanding has no limit.
The Lord sustains the humble
    but casts the wicked to the ground.

Sing to the Lord with grateful praise;
    make music to our God on the harp.

He covers the sky with clouds;
    he supplies the earth with rain
    and makes grass grow on the hills.

He provides food for the cattle
    and for the young ravens when they call.

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
    nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
the Lord delights in those who fear him,
    who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Extol the Lord, Jerusalem;
    praise your God, Zion.

He strengthens the bars of your gates
    and blesses your people within you.
He grants peace to your borders
    and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.

He sends his command to the earth;
    his word runs swiftly.
He spreads the snow like wool
    and scatters the frost like ashes.
He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
    Who can withstand his icy blast?

He sends his word and melts them;
    he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.

He has revealed his word to Jacob,
    his laws and decrees to Israel.
He has done this for no other nation;
    they do not know his laws.

Praise the Lord.

The Unlimited.

[For those completing the book of Isaiah this week: Reading: Isaiah chapters 37-50]

In this past Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Sam noted that reflection on God’s compassion gives us strength.

What did this strength look like to ancient Israel? It was not found in military, political, nor economic power, because these were the people whose LORD had warned them of impending exile. These were souls on the verge of losing all they knew to be familiar: their homes, lands, and their worship center. Isaiah’s prophetic writings pointed to their finding strength as they sought the presence of God. God Himself would serve as their anchor of hope. God was their comfort. God would be their source of abundant living: a prosperity sourced not through earthly means, but through the visitation of God’s own presence.

Isaiah 40:28-31 was a word of hope to the exiles, and I pray these words will bring hope to our hearts as well. The Spirit of God is present, and He is present to dwell in us. Even if we lose everything that our world deems relevant, we can find our strength in the Lord our God. Our King will renew us! This is the hope we embrace.

God bless you today as you wait on Him.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is an eternal God, the creator of the whole earth. He does not get tired or weary; there is no limit to his wisdom. He gives strength to those who are tired; to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy. Even youths get tired and weary; even strong young men clumsily stumble. But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired. (Isaiah 40:28-31, NET)

Job And Joseph And You And I.

[Reading: Isaiah 12 through 24]

“ ‘Look full in His wonderful face’; not just a glance, but a full look that is strategic.” –Rev. Dr. Samuel Vassel

“To whom can you compare me? Whom do I resemble?” says the Holy One. Look up at the sky! Who created all these heavenly lights? He is the one who leads out their ranks; he calls them all by name. Because of his absolute power and awesome strength, not one of them is missing. (Isaiah 40:25-26)

In Sunday’s sermon we were reminded that we are to reflect on God’s control, compassion, competence, and character. This is what gives us confidence in our Lord. Pastor Sam referred to the lives of two prominent Old Testament men: Job and Joseph.

The book of Job has many chapters where the focus is on circumstances rather than God. Job’s friends, instead of focusing on God, continued to insist that Job must have done something wrong in order to have suffered such calamities. Job, instead of focusing on God, continued to insist that he was innocent. Towards the end of the book, we see that God instructs Job to consider the majesty and power and creativity of the LORD. Job, even before his goods and household were restored, gave testimony to his change of focus: “My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You.” (Job 42:5)

The narrative of Joseph, found in Genesis 37 and 39 through 50, reveals to us that Joseph kept his focus on God. He shared his prophetic dreams with his family. He remained in favor with God. His captors and overseers recognized and rewarded his abilities. Joseph’s seasons of suffering did not move him to bitterness nor self-defense; instead, he continued to point to God as his source of strength and wisdom.

Pastor Sam shared with us that we start with the knowledge that God is in control. Can we walk in this knowledge that saved Job and kept Joseph? Are we ready to turn our focus from our circumstances, however challenging, and instead turn our eyes to the One who rules over all?

What are you reflecting on today? Where is your focus? Who are you watching? 

Lord God, give us grace to keep our eyes fixed on You!

I Am Close To His Heart!

[For those completing the book of Isaiah this week: Reading: Isaiah chapters 1 through 11]

As noted by pastor and author Phillip Keller, a huge challenge for our modern-day culture is understanding Biblical metaphors that relate to agriculture and animal husbandry. There are some people who have never even seen a sheep, let alone a shepherd, and they are therefore unable to appreciate the depth of the analogy found in Isaiah 40:11. In that passage, Isaiah speaks of the love and compassionate care of God in this way: "He tends his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."

In Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam made a point that bears repeating: A shepherd is not a hireling. Shepherds do not 'clock in' and 'clock out' of work. They are fully devoted to the care of their sheep. We catch a glimpse of this devotion in the Christmas narrative: "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night." (Luke 2:8) The shepherds didn't "go home", because their home was with their sheep. Their watch-care of their flocks was constant and consistent.

Take note: for a shepherd, it is never "the sheep"; it is "my sheep". And just as the shepherds of the Christmas narrative opted to live in the fields with their sheep, our God has opted to make His home in our hearts! Those of us who have asked Him to dwell in us can be fully assured of God's presence. God will never leave us alone. So, even in the face of exile and suffering, there is no need for us to be afraid. God is with us (see Deuteronomy 31:6).

Troubles come. Like the sheep in the fields, we may have proverbial gnats and flies and wolves and thieves seeking to harm us. But we take comfort, and we remain at peace, because our Shepherd is present to feed, guide, and protect us.

The LORD is my Shepherd! I have everything I need! (Psalm 23:1, paraphrase mine)

Double, Intended.

In yesterday's sermon, we heard the second installment of Pastor Sam's series An Invitation to Hope in the Face of a Time of Despair. Our pastor began with the same request he shared in Part One of the series: Let us read Isaiah 40 at home, on our own.

So, as I did with last Monday's post, I also do this Monday: Isaiah 40 is printed at the bottom of this post, and I request that we all read it.

But wait, there's more: Pastor Sam added a second request yesterday. Let us read the entire book of Isaiah on our own. Our pastor reminded us of the three main sections of the book:

• chapters 1 through 39 contain prophetic pronouncements of impending judgement;
• chapters 40 through 55 are filled with promises of God's unfailing love;
• chapters 56-66 reveal God's instrument of hope and salvation: the Messiah.

So, for those who wish to read the book of Isaiah over the course of this week, the blog posts for Tuesday through Saturday will each include a link to several chapters of Isaiah.

This is a lot of reading, but it is well worth the time and effort. Some of us may even want to take a fast from watching television this week, and instead devote the time to reading the word of God. For our readers who prefer to listen to the book of Isaiah, there are several websites that offer audio Bibles. The point of this exercise is not to brag about having met the challenge, but to learn of God's justice, love, and provision as revealed through the writings of the prophet Isaiah.

As we read, let us be encouraged. The God who loved ancient Israel is the same God who loves us. Lord God, we rejoice and rest in Your love!


Isaiah 40

“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak kindly to Jerusalem, and tell her that her time of warfare is over, that her punishment is completed. For the Lord has made her pay double for all her sins.”

A voice cries out, “In the wilderness clear a way for the Lord; construct in the desert a road for our God. Every valley must be elevated, and every mountain and hill leveled. The rough terrain will become a level plain, the rugged landscape a wide valley. The splendor of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it at the same time. For the Lord has decreed it.”

A voice says, “Cry out!” Another asks, “What should I cry out?” The first voice responds: “All people are like grass, and all their promises are like the flowers in the field. The grass dries up, the flowers wither, when the wind sent by the Lord blows on them. Surely humanity is like grass. The grass dries up, the flowers wither, but the decree of our God is forever reliable.” Go up on a high mountain, O herald Zion! Shout out loudly, O herald Jerusalem! Shout, don’t be afraid! Say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”

Look, the sovereign Lord comes as a victorious warrior; his military power establishes his rule. Look, his reward is with him; his prize goes before him. Like a shepherd he tends his flock; he gathers up the lambs with his arm; he carries them close to his heart; he leads the ewes along. The Lord is Incomparable!

Who has measured out the waters in the hollow of his hand, or carefully measured the sky, or carefully weighed the soil of the earth, or weighed the mountains in a balance, or the hills on scales? Who comprehends the mind of the Lord,or gives him instruction as his counselor? From whom does he receive directions? Who teaches him the correct way to do things, or imparts knowledge to him, or instructs him in skillful design?

Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales. He lifts the coastlands as if they were dust. Not even Lebanon could supply enough firewood for a sacrifice; its wild animals would not provide enough burnt offerings. All the nations are insignificant before him; they are regarded as absolutely nothing.

To whom can you compare God? To what image can you liken him? A craftsman casts an idol; a metalsmith overlays it with gold and forges silver chains for it. To make a contribution one selects wood that will not rot; he then seeks a skilled craftsman to make an idol that will not fall over.

Do you not know? Do you not hear? Has it not been told to you since the very beginning? Have you not understood from the time the earth’s foundations were made? He is the one who sits on the earth’s horizon; its inhabitants are like grasshoppers before him. He is the one who stretches out the sky like a thin curtain, and spreads it out like a pitched tent. He is the one who reduces rulers to nothing; he makes the earth’s leaders insignificant. Indeed, they are barely planted; yes, they are barely sown; yes, they barely take root in the earth, and then he blows on them, causing them to dry up, and the wind carries them away like straw. “To whom can you compare me? Whom do I resemble?” says the Holy One.

Look up at the sky! Who created all these heavenly lights? He is the one who leads out their ranks; he calls them all by name. Because of his absolute power and awesome strength, not one of them is missing. Why do you say, Jacob, Why do you say, Israel, “The Lord is not aware of what is happening to me, my God is not concerned with my vindication”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is an eternal God, the creator of the whole earth. He does not get tired or weary; there is no limit to his wisdom.

He gives strength to those who are tired; to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy. Even youths get tired and weary; even strong young men clumsily stumble. But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired.

Six-Shooter.

As we close out this week of reflections on Isaiah 40, let's take another look at six of the verses in this chapter. Pastor Sam described these verses as a ‘resumé’ of God's sovereign control: our LORD, who needs no help from anyone, is ever present to help us. He is supremely qualified to do what others consider impossible.

v  We serve the God who does the miraculous.

v  We serve the God who empowers martyrs to demonstrate His grace and peace in the face of extreme sufferings.

v  We serve the God who extended His mercy to ancient Israel, even as they lived through the consequences of their sins.

v  We serve the God who sees all, knows all, and judges rightly.

This God, miraculous, loving, merciful, and wise, is here for you and I today. Let us rest in His word, bask in His love, and hope in His faithful promises.

See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
    and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense accompanies him.

Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
    they are regarded as dust on the scales;
    he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.

Before him all the nations are as nothing;
    they are regarded by him as worthless
    and less than nothing.

He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
    and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
    and spreads them out like a tent to live in.
He brings princes to naught
    and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
No sooner are they planted,
    no sooner are they sown,
    no sooner do they take root in the ground,
than he blows on them and they wither,
    and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. (Isaiah 40:10, 15, 17, 22-24, NIV)

"God runs things. Things don't run God." -Rev. Dr. Samuel Vassel

He Knows My Names...

Why do you say, Jacob, Why do you say, Israel, “The Lord is not aware of what is happening to me, My God is not concerned with my vindication”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is an eternal God, the creator of the whole earth. He does not get tired or weary; there is no limit to his wisdom. (Isaiah 40:27-28)

During this past Sunday's sermon, the Lord had our pastor pause at Isaiah 40:27 to explain the reference to “Jacob” and “Israel”. We learned that the two names refer to one person. Jacob was known as a swindler and con artist, a man whose very name meant “supplanter”—a man who we would probably not choose to engage any work for God, because he had a track record of living solely for himself. But our God had a different view! Time passed by, and eventually Jacob encountered the presence and power of God. God gave the man a new name: You are no longer Jacob, but Israel – the man who has God on his side, fighting for him, and who prevails (see Genesis 32:28; Genesis 35:10).

In Isaiah 40, then, this small reference to Jacob carries heavy weight. God’s message of hope is offered not just to the “Israels” of the world who have submitted to His will, but also to the “Jacobs” of the world who still attempt to make their own way in life. What is the message? It is this: I am the LORD your God. My wisdom is unlimited, and I am eternal. I know everything that is going on in your life. Don’t think that I am unaware or unconcerned.

Even in our faltering attempts at self-sufficiency, God stands ready to save and transform us! I am grateful. Are you?

Lord, You see, You hear, and You know. Thank You for reminding us of Your eternal presence. Thank You for offering Your strength to our weary frames. Give us grace to rest and trust in You.

Incomparable!

To whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? (Isaiah 40:18, NIV)

In Sunday's sermon, Pastor Sam noted that we live in a society that tends towards pluralism. We are expected to maintain a "level playing field" in which our God is deemed no higher than, say, Buddha or Krishna. There is a social pressure to submit not just to the concept of all gods being equal, but an added pressure to deify certain social systems and cultural expectations. In some regards, our lives today are not much different than the lives of the ancient Jews who were exiled to Babylon. And though we laud the accounts we read in the book of Daniel, particularly those where he and his three friends (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) stood boldly for the God of Israel, we must also remember that there were many more young men who acquiesced to the pressure and bowed in worship to false gods. When threatened with suffering, those unnamed men lost their boldness.

But what about us? When we are threatened, what do we say about the God we serve? Our pastor gave us a word to stand on: Our God is incomparably great. He cannot be put into a box with the other gods of this world. He cannot be equated to any earthly philosophies or systems. As we read in Isaiah 40:18, there is no comparison.

Pastor Sam said something else that I would like us to reflect on today: The God of the exiles is our God. We must abandon the notion that God is somehow less powerful if His people are found to be 'in exile'. Our sufferings do not diminish God's power. In fact, our periods of hardship are often moments in which the power of God breaks forth in ways no one could have imagined.

What is your response to exile? What is your response to suffering? I pray that our response will always be to worship our great God, and to recognize that He is incomparable.

"LORD God of Israel, there is no god like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath..." (First Kings 8:23a)

Be Ye Comforted.

Isaiah 40

“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak kindly to Jerusalem, and tell her that her time of warfare is over, that her punishment is completed. For the Lord has made her pay double for all her sins.”

A voice cries out, “In the wilderness clear a way for the Lord; construct in the desert a road for our God. Every valley must be elevated, and every mountain and hill leveled. The rough terrain will become a level plain, the rugged landscape a wide valley. The splendor of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it at the same time. For the Lord has decreed it.”

A voice says, “Cry out!” Another asks, “What should I cry out?” The first voice responds: “All people are like grass, and all their promises are like the flowers in the field. The grass dries up, the flowers wither, when the wind sent by the Lord blows on them. Surely humanity is like grass. The grass dries up, the flowers wither, but the decree of our God is forever reliable.” Go up on a high mountain, O herald Zion! Shout out loudly, O herald Jerusalem! Shout, don’t be afraid! Say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!”

Look, the sovereign Lord comes as a victorious warrior; his military power establishes his rule. Look, his reward is with him; his prize goes before him. Like a shepherd he tends his flock; he gathers up the lambs with his arm; he carries them close to his heart; he leads the ewes along. The Lord is Incomparable!

Who has measured out the waters in the hollow of his hand, or carefully measured the sky, or carefully weighed the soil of the earth, or weighed the mountains in a balance, or the hills on scales? Who comprehends the mind of the Lord,or gives him instruction as his counselor? From whom does he receive directions? Who teaches him the correct way to do things, or imparts knowledge to him, or instructs him in skillful design?

Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales. He lifts the coastlands as if they were dust. Not even Lebanon could supply enough firewood for a sacrifice; its wild animals would not provide enough burnt offerings. All the nations are insignificant before him; they are regarded as absolutely nothing.

To whom can you compare God? To what image can you liken him? A craftsman casts an idol; a metalsmith overlays it with gold and forges silver chains for it. To make a contribution one selects wood that will not rot; he then seeks a skilled craftsman to make an idol that will not fall over.

Do you not know? Do you not hear? Has it not been told to you since the very beginning? Have you not understood from the time the earth’s foundations were made? He is the one who sits on the earth’s horizon; its inhabitants are like grasshoppers before him. He is the one who stretches out the sky like a thin curtain, and spreads it out like a pitched tent. He is the one who reduces rulers to nothing; he makes the earth’s leaders insignificant. Indeed, they are barely planted; yes, they are barely sown; yes, they barely take root in the earth, and then he blows on them, causing them to dry up, and the wind carries them away like straw. “To whom can you compare me? Whom do I resemble?” says the Holy One.

Look up at the sky! Who created all these heavenly lights? He is the one who leads out their ranks; he calls them all by name. Because of his absolute power and awesome strength, not one of them is missing. Why do you say, Jacob, Why do you say, Israel, “The Lord is not aware of what is happening to me, my God is not concerned with my vindication”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is an eternal God, the creator of the whole earth. He does not get tired or weary; there is no limit to his wisdom.

He gives strength to those who are tired; to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy. Even youths get tired and weary; even strong young men clumsily stumble. But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired.