Daily Reading // Isaiah 57:1-13
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to three times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
Isaiah 57:1 The righteous perishes, And no man takes [it] to heart; Merciful men [are] taken away, While no one considers That the righteous is taken away from evil.
I have been to many funerals, memorials, gravesides and even deathbeds. I can tell you there is a huge difference the passing away of one who trusts in the Lord and one who doesn’t. A huge difference.
As this verse says, when the righteous perish he or she is taken away from evil. Death is a portal into the presence of God. It is a new and wonderful beginning. In this life we celebrate with parties and gifts our birthday, the day we came into the world. In heaven we’ll probably celebrate our deathday, the day we entered into eternity.
Of course, at the end of any life we experience great loss. We will miss our loved one terribly. It is dishonoring to minimize that loss. But when I know that loss is only temporary, and my loved one has been ‘taken away from evil’, that makes all the difference.
I have hope beyond the grave because Jesus has defeated death!
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Jesus, You turn a hopeless end into a new and better beginning. What shall I fear? Amen.
Tomorrow’s reading -> Isaiah 57:14-21