Our voices reverberated throughout the Iona Abbey Church as the question raised in the familiar hymn, “Canticle of the Turning,” felt more poignant than ever as it summoned the deep hunger of the prophets and echoed the prayers of Christians who had worshiped in this place for centuries: “Could the world be about to turn?”
The prophetic oracles that Isaiah weaves through chapters 13-18 move back and forth between time and place as it proclaims the fall of previous empires and portends that same destruction of the next rising superpower to take front and center on the world stage. This pattern of rise and fall from Egypt to Assyria and from Babylon to Persia becomes a familiar theme of both warning and promise to the people of Israel.
For Isaiah, the prophetic announcement that Yahweh is the only supernatural superpower is paramount. Therefore, the pattern of rise and fall is not only historical and nationalistic but also cosmic in scope as a canvas is painted with images of a darkened sun and faltering stars. As the oracles speak of both destruction and restoration, Yahweh’s sovereignty over all nations serves as both a warning and promise of which the kingdom of Judah is not excluded or immune. For Isaiah, trust in Yahweh’s sovereignty is the basis for how Israel lives as a covenant partner and for their instrumental role in Yahweh’s promise to bless all nations.
As a citizen of a nation that is considered a superpower, I find these oracles required reading, especially in our current context where bombastic saber-rattling fronts for real power and nationalistic pride become the litmus test for true religion. Isaiah’s warning is unambiguous; no superpower is exempt from the pattern of rise and fall.
From the halls of pow’r to the fortress tow’r, not a stone will be left on stone
Let the king beware for your justice tears ev’ry tyrant from his throne. (v3, Canticle of the Turning)
Nevertheless, Isaiah’s promise of restoration is equally clear; Yahweh never relents in the hope of making good on blessing all nations who live in trust, who embody humility, and seek the goodness of all people.
My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn. (Refrain; ELW 723)
To Consider
The message of Isaiah’s oracles feels contemporary and applicable to our lives today. How do you interpret Isaiah’s message?
What are the ways you pray that our world is about to turn?
Prayer
Come, Spirit of God, for you are the restless breath of love that sweeps throughout the world. You move where you will, breaking down barriers and stirring hearts to change, so that all may experience the rich blessings of your creation. Inspire each one of us to hunger and thirst for justice. Amen.