Isaiah chapter 55: Returning to the source

55:11 ‘so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.’

The promise of Hesed is carried over into this chapter.  This is the Hebrew word for which there is no adequate translation in other languages, except as an approximation, the ‘loving kindness of God’.

Chapter 55 reads like the conclusion of something – a summary of the previous 15 chapters:

-    -       Repentance
-       Seeking God’s mercy and grace which is free and abundant
-       Listening to God
-       Receiving the ‘everlasting covenant’ of Hesed.
-       A vindication of those who put their trust in God alone.
-       A message of hope, joy and liberation
-       And ^‘all the trees of the field will clap their hands (v.12).

The natural world is on our side and attests to the coming liberation. We are fed with finest food on a mountainous place of God’s love. And so we can declare:

In the beginning was the Word

And the World became flesh

And that flesh became bread;

Which has now become us

Broken for a united world

At peace and returning to the Word

#JourneyIsaiah