Origins
Day 336, Sunday, July 13
Isaiah Chapter 51 – 52:12
“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn.”
Isaiah reminds us that who were are is determined, at least significantly, by where we came from. Looking back to people like Abraham and Sarah, who came before us, help us to understand who we are and how we relate to God.
In one sense it’s humbling to look back at their mixed record of faithfulness and see how closely we follow their less fortunate examples. In another sense, though, it’s encouraging to realize that God can use us in all our human frailty and potential to accomplish his purpose.
And what is his purpose?
Let’s look to 52:7.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Sunday meditation

Job 5:17-27
“Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.
From six calamities he will rescue you; in seven no harm will touch you.
In famine he will deliver you from death, and in battle from the stroke of the sword.
You will be protected from the lash of the tongue, and need not fear when destruction comes.
You will laugh at destruction and famine, and need not fear the wild animals.
For you will have a covenant with the stones of the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you.
You will know that your tent is secure; you will take stock of your property and find nothing missing.
You will know that your children will be many, and your descendants like the grass of the earth.
You will come to the grave in full vigor, like sheaves gathered in season.
“We have examined this, and it is true. So hear it and apply it to yourself.”

Prayer focus
Lord, make us proclaimers of your peace and your great reign.