not far away

Yesterday, I opened my bible to look for scripture for Rob, but I was myself so blessed by what I found. I've read Isaiah before, but reading it then, in the circumstance I'd been in, I was awed. God is so merciful. I'm afraid these words lose their impact from our hearing them too often, but oh...he is so unbelievably merciful.

I always wonder, when I'm on my rebellious streaks, what God would say to me. And here he speaks to the Israelites, who have turned their backs on him. Like me they are stubborn and obstinate, they turn to idols and to human strength.


This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:

In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it...

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!

O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you...Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Then you will defile your idols...you will throw them away.

- Isaiah 30:15, 18-19, 21-22a

Return to him you have so greatly revolted against, O Israelites. For in that day every one of you will reject the idols of silver and gold your sinful hands have made.

- Isaiah 31:6-7

"...I have made you, you are my servant;
O Israel, I will not forget you.
I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,
your sins like the morning mist.
Return to me,
for I have redeemed you."

Sing for joy, O heavens, for the Lord has done this;
shout aloud, O earth beneath.
Burst into song, you mountains,
you forests and all your trees,
for the Lord has redeemed Jacob,
he displays his glory in Israel.

- Isaiah 44:22

"Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,
you who are far from righteousness.
I am bringing my righteousness near,
it is not far away;
and my salvation will not be delayed.
I will grant salvation to Zion,
my splendor to Israel."

- Isaiah 46:12-13