Jesse Tree: 3rd Wednesday- Isaiah, The Call to Holiness

Third Wednesday of Advent
Isaiah, The Call to Holiness

Image credit: Carolyn Pikoulas and the Diocese of Erie

The fire tongs and hot coal are placed on the Jesse Tree today. We recall the prophet Isaiah today and his call to Judah to be a holy people. The book of Isaiah is full of prophecies about the coming Messiah.

In the first chapter, we see a shift in the way the people are asked to act out their faithfulness. In earlier books we see God asking for sacrifices and offerings, we see the people being called to prayer and worship. In Isaiah we hear God calling for justice for all people, and care for the poor as a way for the people to show their love: "When you spread out your hands, I close my eyes to you; Though you pray the more, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood! Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow." (Isa 1: 15-17)

Today, think of someone you encounter who is in need of justice or defense. If you cannot think of someone  you know personally, consider making a donation to a food bank, or to a shelter. Look for ways to bring justice to the world.

Today's Focus: Isaiah and the Call to Holiness
Symbol: Fire tongs and hot coal
Scripture: Isa 1:10-20, 6:1-13, 8:11 through 9:7

Yesterday's Focus: Hezekiah, Faithfulness and deliverance 
Tomorrow's Focus: Jeremiah, The exile