July 5

Introduction

Isaiah 66:1–11: Today’s reading begins the concluding chapter of the book of Isaiah and is an oracle about the kind of worship God demands. This passage speaks against those who did the right rituals with outward acts of piety but chose to do what is evil.

Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 66:1a

The LORD says, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.”

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? I myself created the whole universe! I am pleased with those who are humble and repentant, who fear me and obey me.

“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. 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.”

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! Listen! That loud noise in the city, that sound in the Temple, is the sound of the Lord punishing his enemies!

“My holy city is like a woman who suddenly gives birth to a child without ever going into labor. 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. 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

Verse 1 in today’s reading refers to the earth as the LORD’s footstool. It is quoted in Acts 7:49 by the first Christian martyr, Stephen. What does this image suggest to you about God and God’s relationship to creation? (The “house” mentioned in verse 1 refers to the Temple in Jerusalem which was in the process of being rebuilt.) According to verse 2, with whom is the LORD pleased? Reread verses 3 and 4. What does the LORD say about those who choose to disobey him and do evil? What hopeful promise is given in verses 10 and 11?

Pray

Merciful God, heaven is your throne and the earth is your footstool. I come to your throne of grace and offer you my humble and repentant heart. I seek to obey you and to be faithful to your teachings. I rejoice that you offer forgiveness. May my worship be pleasing in your sight and give honor and glory to you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Isaiah 66:12–24: The LORD promises to restore Jerusalem.