Comforting promises
For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Stratton's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.
Until now I never appreciated the beautiful message of this week’s Old Testament passage. God’s promises to Israel—to not be drowned by water or burned by fire—make this text almost as comforting to its readers as the 23rd psalm.
In fact, “Do not fear, for I am with you” echoes Psalm 23 directly—“I will fear no evil: for thou art with me”—along with the ongoing biblical theme of downplaying fear. Although life gives many reasons for fear, Isaiah’s command is premised on God’s ongoing presence.
