Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Saturday, March 23, 2013 Read – Isaiah 59 Once again it is with harsh words that Isaiah laments the unfaithfulness of God’s people. Perhaps there is little in this chapter that helps us in our understanding of Luke’s gospel. At best we are made aware again of just how difficult it is for God to gather his people under his wings. Luke has portrayed the ministry of Jesus as the visitation of God to his people. God comes to save. But Israel is not open to the visitation of God. We are soon to hear Luke’s story of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem – an event we have come to know as Palm Sunday. It is with anticipation that the crowds following Jesus must have made their way up the steep approach to Jerusalem from Jericho. Jericho is about 800 feet below sea level. Jerusalem is about 2500 feet above sea level. The distance is about 13 miles. The journey was not easy. Jesus was resolute in his desire to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). Now he is about to arrive. His destiny is set by God. As Simeon put it, that destiny will mean the rise and fall of many in Israel. Like Isaiah, the Messiah will confront the rejection of God – but also the reception of those who are faithful.