New Year Devotional: Selah Compassion ConversationsSample

The Promise of Restoration

“On this mountain, the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; He will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.”  

—Isaiah 25:6-8  

Selah 

Can you imagine a table filled to overflowing with the finest food and the best of wines? It’s a great promise of divine hospitality. This scripture is an image of deep fellowship. It is an invitation.  

This promise declares that one day our most basic needs will be met abundantly. In the new creation, there will be no more hunger, thirst, sickness or sorrow. In the new creation, there will be no more isolation, exclusion or injustice. Jesus Christ invites everyone to this table. The poor and the powerless will not be forgotten.   

Scripture promises again and again that creation will be renewed. He will wipe away tears and remove disgrace. This is our call to justice, to sit at the table and offer His compassion to those in need. 

Reflection Question:

What encouragement can you bring to your community about restoration?   

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,  

Help us to see your world as your love would have it: one where the weak are protected, and none go hungry. A world where peace is built with justice and restoration is guided by love. Give us the inspiration and courage to build it through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  

Amen