Thoughts for the Day

I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord,
the praiseworthy acts of the Lord,
because of all that the Lord has done for us,
and the great favour to the house of Israel
that he has shown them according to his mercy,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
For he said, ‘Surely they are my people,
children who will not deal falsely’;
and he became their saviour
in all their distress.
It was no messenger or angel
but his presence that saved them;
in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Before we look at this passage of Isaiah let's look at its place in history, if we can. Until about 200 years ago it was assumed that book of Isaiah in our Old Testament (the Hebrew scriptures) was written by one person, the Prophet Isaiah, covering the time-scale from before to after the exile to Babylon. However, many modern scholars disagree, and after careful analysis have come to believe that at least three people were involved in a period covering this period. Whether we believe in the one author theory or three author theory, there is no doubt that today's passage reminds us that God has been present at His people's lowest points to rescue them and that they owe Him their praise and devotion.

In Chapter 63 of Isaiah we see the writer reviewing God's dealings with His people. He acknowledges God's goodness to them - His 'gracious deeds', and His 'praiseworthy acts' in coming to save and redeem them. All this was because of His love for His people. They are the children of the covenant, God's children, and He expected them to deal honourably with Him. As we know this was not to happen. Indeed they, and we as their inheritors, are no better. But for the actions of our Lord Jesus we would be in the same mess.

If we look at today's passage of Isaiah can we list things where God has shown His goodness and generosity to us in our life, that is especially worthy of our praise and thanks? Can we also list times where we have not dealt honourably with Him, despite all He offers to us?

Almighty God,
we offer You this day
our heartfelt praise and thanks
for Your goodness and generosity to us
throughout our life;
for the way You have encouraged us
to avoid so many pitfalls;
and especially we thank You for:
..................................................................
But we acknowledge we have not
dealt honourably with you,
but have often ignored Your promptings,
and turned our back on Your teachings.
Especially we ask Your forgiveness for:
..................................................................
We make this prayer through
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.