Susan LaffertyYou reveal mystery in the quiet, often.
Solitude.
Hard won in certain seasons. Mere breaths of time when children are young. Random moments, captured here and there.
But out of necessity, we take them. Make time. And draw near.
Isaiah. Prophet and poet. Master of prose. Skillfully taking us to ruin and glory.
“The city of chaos is shattered;
Every house is closed to entry.
In the streets they cry for wine.
All joy grows dark;
Earth’s rejoicing goes into exile.
Only desolation remains in the city;
its gate has collapsed in ruins.”
Isaiah 24:10-12
Well-placed words. And we see the broken place. Grieve the curse that consumes the earth and its inhabitants. “…for they have transgressed teachings, overstepped decrees, and broken the permanent covenant” (24:5).
Shoeless. Face to the ground. On the plains of Jericho.
This. After Joshua stares at the man standing there with sword drawn. Equipped for battle.
This. After he asks the critical question: “Are you for us or for our enemies?” (Joshua 5:13ff)
Whose side are you on? Can I trust you? Should I fight against you?
