How long till daybreak? How long will this night last? —Isaiah 21:11 (The Message)
When I was a teenager, my mom brought home several library books on interpreting dreams. After that, we’d be at breakfast or in the car, and she would talk about her most recent dream and what it meant. But every once in a while, she’d announce God had talked to her.
Years later, I came to appreciate what a difficult period this had been for my mom. Her closest sister had committed suicide. And my parents’ marriage was crumbling. She never said, but she must have been suffering deeply. I suspect she had moments of crying, “How long will this night last?” She needed comfort, and dreams were a good place to hear God.
These five chapters are full of raw anger and fear. Isaiah was written during a time of great conflict between Israel and other nations; Israel had broken into two kingdoms. The people had turned away from God, who now promises judgment so severe Isaiah could physically feel it.
The prophet hears and shares his vision of God’s furious voice, warning of devastation if people don’t change. Using poetry, Isaiah amplifies God’s voice so the people of Israel will turn back to God and trust only in God’s promises, protection, and salvation.
This is a troubling voice for those of us who listen for God’s voice when we are suffering. In our moments when, like my mom, we are often desperate for hope and comfort.
But Isaiah doesn’t stop with an angry God. Morning is coming. Even if we don’t know when the sun will shine again.
Isaiah’s poetry reminds us that God’s steadfast love is with us even in persistent struggles. A message echoed today in songs of hope that assure us of God’s love, peace, and justice. Such as in the gospel song, How I Got Over, that Mahalia Jackson belted out to the crowds who stood for civil rights with Martin Luther King, Jr, on the National Mall in 1963:
My soul look back and wonder, How did I make it over. But, soon as I can see Jesus, The man that died for me, Man that bled and suffered … I’m gonna thank him ‘cause he never left me…I `rose this morning, I feel like shouting…, I just gotta thank God for being so good, God been good to me.
This is the hope that shines and sustains us.
Pastor Robin Johnson lives in Wilmington with her husband, Eldon, and her little dog, Bonnie. She is always listening to the voices around her, including God’s.
To Consider
When have you heard God’s voice? Did you tell others?
When a friend says, “God will severely punish those who sin,” what might you say about God and hope?
Prayer
God of resurrection hope, thank you for dreams and songs that bring your voice to us, especially in times of fear and grief. We search for and trust your voice that comforts us, challenges us, is always with us, and brings us hope. Amen.