Tuesday after Exaudi
Posted on May 18, 2021 by under
Scripture: Isaiah 19:19-25 (NKJV)
19:19 In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. 20 And it will be for a sign and for a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them. 21 Then the Lord will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to the Lord and perform it. 22 And the Lord will strike Egypt, He will strike and heal it; they will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them and heal them.
23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians.
24 In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, 25 whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.”
Devotion
Our reading today shows the incredible love God has for sinners. Egypt is well known from the Exodus story as an enemy of the Lord and the Lord’s people. Oftentimes, when an analogy for an evil place or person was needed, Egypt served that analogy. Despite this, the prophet Isaiah tells us that the Lord will have Egypt offering thanks to Him and will serve Him. The Lord will heal Egypt, despite the reputation and rebellion that was associated with Egypt.
Let us remember that the Lord has redeemed us despite our rebellion and sin. He has called those who were once His enemies and washed them in the waters of Holy Baptism. He has taken our reputation and declares His Absolution to us. He has loved us so profoundly that He would die for our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness through faith! What a great salvation we have in Christ Jesus, and what a merciful God we serve!
Prayer: Almighty, Everlasting God, make us to have always a devout will toward Thee and to serve Thy Majesty with a pure heart; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
