By Jonathon Schramm, associate professor of sustainability and environmental education
Scripture: Isaiah 12:2-6 (NRSV)
Our passage from Isaiah today rings with depictions of God’s strength and righteousness, powerfully moving in the world and among the people of Zion. Many of the surrounding chapters in Isaiah detail the causes and consequences of God’s judgement on both the Israelites and their powerful neighboring nations. But the chapter immediately before this bright and brief word of praise is full of imagery of healing and restoration for God’s people, returning to life in the land of Jesse, just like a new shoot sprouting from a cut stump.
These actions no doubt are a fitting reason for our praise, but two smaller pieces of this passage really strike me as I read it. First, there is the clear idea in verse two that in addition to becoming our strength and our salvation, God has become our song.
I find this combination really appealing, and sort of surprising. I suppose given the context of a people being restored despite their own failings and the actions of corrupt neighboring nations, naming God as our strength and salvation seems very direct and natural. But adding the twist of singing makes that restoration beautiful, and not merely righteous. I believe we are given glimmers and glimpses of that beauty when we sing together, often enough to remind us these words of assurance are also for us.
The second surprising idea follows that of beauty, in verse three. Here, the joy and beauty of that restoration is found as we actively draw water from the well of salvation. That healing righteousness, underlying our daily lives, although often unseen, is here drawn to the surface by our bucket. We can’t make it, but we can help to share its good news. Thus we see that even in the heart of God’s salvation work, we are invited to be part of it, singing and drawing on that well. Thanks be to God for that invitation!
Scripture: Isaiah 12:2-6 (NRSV)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. 3With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
4And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. 5Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. 6Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.