Readings on the eve of litigation from Isaiah 51 for another people of God and the promise made to them. Please pray for the Diocese of South Carolina and its legal team, for the Court and for the Justices, for all who are involved and in need of comfort, and that everything said and done may be to the glory of God, for the building of His Kingdom and the honor of the name of Jesus – and that His justice from South Carolina may become a light to the nations
Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness
and seek the Lord;
Look to the rock from which you were hewn
Listen to me my people
hear me my nation
The law will go out from me
my justice will become a light to the nations
My righteousness draws near speedily
my salvation is on the way
and my arm will bring justice to the nations
Hear me, you who know what is right
you people who have my law in your heart
Do not fear the reproach of men
or be terrified by their insults
For the moth will eat them up like a garment
the worm will devour them like wool
But my righteousness will last forever
my salvation through all generations
I, even I, am he who comforts you
Who are you that fear mortal men
the sons of men who are but grass
that you forget the Lord your Maker
who stretched out the heavens
and laid out the foundations of the earth
that you live in constant terror every day
because of the wrath of the oppressor
who is bent on destruction?
For where is the wrath of the oppressor?
The cowering prisoners will soon be free
they will not die in their dungeon
nor will they lack bread.
For I am the Lord your God
who churns up the sea so that its waves roar –
the Lord Almighty is his name
I have put my words in your mouth
and covered you with the shadow of my hand –
I who set the heavens in place
who laid the foundations of the earth
and who say to Zion
‘You are my people’
Lord, let it be so, in Jesus’ name. Amen