Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Thursday, March 21, 2013 Read – Isaiah 57 Isaiah 57 is a harsh chapter to read. We would just as soon skip it – something I almost decided to do. Isaiah has these glowing visions of the coming Messiah and the victory of God. He also is aware of the hostility of people toward God. As we hear words like these we are reminded of the lament of Jesus over Jerusalem. How often God would gather his people under his wing but they will not be gathered. There is a mystery in the will of humanity – a mystery we all share. There are times when we don’t want to listen to God either. As Lutherans we often speak of Law and Gospel. The Law is that which accuses and kills. The Gospel is that which brings what is dead to life. As people we need to hear both Law and Gospel. In fact it was Luther’s contention that we cannot hear Gospel until we have heard Law. Only the dead can be raised to new life. Of course we can hear Law without Gospel. Such hearing of the Law does us little good – unless it prepares us to hear the Gospel which is that God and God alone can give us life. We are hearing mostly Law in today’s reading. We hear it with one ear open to hear the Gospel of Jesus. Isaiah speaks true words in chapter 57. They are words that put to death. They are words that prepare us to hear the Good News of the Messiah who brings the dead to life.