July 2

Introduction

Isaiah 49:13–26: God will bless and protect those who return from exile, and the people will rejoice. Jerusalem will be rebuilt, and God’s saving power will be revealed.

Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 49:13

Sing heavens! Shout for joy, earth! Let the mountains burst into song! The LORD will comfort his people; he will have pity on his suffering people.

Reflect

Reread verses 14–18. While in exile, many Israelites probably felt as if the LORD had forgotten about them. How might these words have encouraged them? How might these words be a source of encouragement to you?

Pray

Loving God, sometimes I feel distant from you. Reveal your presence to me, that I may always be mindful of your comforting love. Heighten my awareness of you today. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Isaiah 55:1–13: The LORD extends an invitation to the people to return to him.