Celebrate! May 12, 2025 Devotional

ISAIAH 66:12-13 | ⁶⁶For thus says the Lord: I will extend prosperity to her like a river and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream, and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm and bounced on her knees. ¹³As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

In this chapter, in the book of Isaiah, the prophet wants to comfort Israel, to give them hope for a future beyond their exile in Babylon. Bereft of king and capital, of temple and ritual, the nation was shocked by loss and chastised by divine judgement. The image he chooses to express the comfort of God, and to reinforce the reversal of fortunes that is coming is of a mother and child. When children fall and feel pain, or face disappointment, they feel as if the world has ended. But a mother can stem the flood of tears and enfold an infant in her arms, surrounding her with a loving and secure embrace. Isaiah hopes Israel can have intimate trust with Yahweh, like a loved child has for its mother.

Have you been loved and nurtured by someone who embraced you in difficulty?

Gracious God,

Thank You for the support and comfort we have received at home. Help us to sense Your divine affection for us.

Amen.