July 6

Introduction

Isaiah 66:12–24: Today’s reading closes out the book of the prophet Isaiah. The LORD promises to help and restore Jerusalem and bring it lasting prosperity. The reading ends with a picture of the eternal punishment that will come to those who have rebelled against the LORD.

Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 66:13

[The LORD says:] “I will comfort you in Jerusalem, as a mother comforts her child.”

Reading

66 The Lord says, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house, then, could you build for me, what kind of place for me to live in? ² I myself created the whole universe! I am pleased with those who are humble and repentant, who fear me and obey me.

³ “The people do as they please. It’s all the same to them whether they kill a bull as a sacrifice or sacrifice a human being; whether they sacrifice a lamb or break a dog’s neck; whether they present a grain offering or offer pigs’ blood; whether they offer incense or pray to an idol. They take pleasure in disgusting ways of worship. ⁴ So I will bring disaster upon them—the very things they are afraid of—because no one answered when I called or listened when I spoke. They chose to disobey me and do evil.”

⁵ Listen to what the Lord says, you that fear him and obey him: “Because you are faithful to me, some of your own people hate you and will have nothing to do with you. They mock you and say, ‘Let the Lord show his greatness and save you, so that we may see you rejoice.’ But they themselves will be disgraced! ⁶ Listen! That loud noise in the city, that sound in the Temple, is the sound of the Lord punishing his enemies!

⁷ “My holy city is like a woman who suddenly gives birth to a child without ever going into labor. ⁸ Has anyone ever seen or heard of such a thing? Has a nation ever been born in a day? Zion will not have to suffer long, before the nation is born. ⁹ Do not think that I will bring my people to the point of birth and not let them be born.” The Lord has spoken.

¹⁰ Rejoice with Jerusalem; be glad for her,
    all you that love this city!
Rejoice with her now,
    all you that have mourned for her!
¹¹ You will enjoy her prosperity,
    like a child at its mother’s breast.

Reflect

What is promised in verses 12–14? According to verses 15–19a, who will be punished and how? What will happen to those who are spared (verses 19b–21)? Within your community of faith, what worship practices do you find most meaningful, and in what ways do they give honor and glory to God?

Pray

Almighty and powerful God, your reign is everlasting. I worship you alone, and I will proclaim your greatness forever and ever. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Jeremiah 3:6–18: Israel and Judah are called to repent.