Our reading from Isaiah this morning prophecies a time when the ransomed shall return; when they will make a new exodus; when the people of Israel will find green pastures, when the desert shall blossom with every beauty of the garden; when hearts will be turned from evil to good. This was the expectation of everyone until the 1st century. And only when Christ came did their expectations find fulfillment; only when Christ came they obtained gladness and joy. The injustices are gone, because the King of Justice has come. Our expectation this morning is that Christ who is the great healer of Israel will also heal our weary bodies by giving us a glorious vision of the heavenlies and feeding us with at His table.
Let us pray: Father, he who knew no sin was made sin for us, to save us and restore us to your friendship. Look upon our contrite heart and afflicted spirit and heal our troubled conscience, so that in the joy and strength of the Holy Spirit we may proclaim your praise and glory before all the nations.
