Celebrating GodGod's People Offer Praise
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5) Glorifying GodIsaiah 35:1-6
New International VersionJoy of the Redeemed35 The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord,
the splendor of our God. 3 Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
4 say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you.” 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shouts for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert.
For Reflection In Psalms, we often read about God's vengeance and retribution for some unjust act to us or, in vulgar terms, others "dissing" God (As if God needs our protection!)
What joy is there in vengeance or retribution? Does this reference really say what we think it says? Is it ok to pray for vengeance? A young boy steals your purse and runs into the street, where he is hit and killed by a car. Do you really find joy in the vengeance? Is this a just act or God's will? I'm sure the driver of the car is not filled with joy after killing the young boy. I'm not so sure that God enacting vengeance on those who have harmed me is so joyful!
Perhaps we could consider an alternative definition of God's vengeance or retribution. Maybe God's vengeance is that the unjust acts do not result in the harm that was intended. It could be that the acts of Grace and Forgiveness are the salvation from your inclination toward vengeance. Perhaps your lack of a vengeful act will be what opens the eyes of those who are blind to the ways of God. Now to me, that is divine joy.
Pray Pray to learn to see with the eyes of God. Pray and listen to the wisdom of forgiveness. Pray and lift your frustrations to God. It's ok to vent.
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