by Desiree Bustamante

His salvation is on the way.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

Last September Colorado experienced yet another dry season, which resulted in this mountain fire in Chaffee County. Nearly 9,000 acres of land and several homes were destroyed. There are many fires even more destructive currently burning in our world, eradicating wildlife and devastating lives. When the flames are extinguished only smoke and ashes remain.

“My mercy and justice are coming soon.
    My salvation is on the way.
    My strong arm will bring justice to the nations.
All distant lands will look to me
    and wait in hope for my powerful arm.
Look up to the skies above,
    and gaze down on the earth below.
For the skies will disappear like smoke,
    and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing.
The people of the earth will die like flies,
    but my salvation lasts forever.
    My righteous rule will never end!”
Isaiah 51:5-6  New Living Translation 

This promise was made to Israel who was in Babylonian captivity because of God’s judgement upon its sins. The people lost everything they knew and were powerless in their bondage. God promised them that His righteousness in the form of His Son was near and would bring salvation amid the earth’s destruction. God brought deliverance to the Israelites from Babylon, but His Son Jesus would bring salvation to the nations of the world.

All of humanity wants someone to correct the mess this world is in, but how can we possibly make it happen? We are sinners and have no power within ourselves to save our lives or the world. So, we trust in Christ’s promise as we wait expectantly for God’s delivering power. As believers we know that, though this world will end, eternal salvation has come through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.

As we begin the season of Lent, we get a glimpse of God’s promises in Isaiah that Christ will be the salvation for all people. The earth will continue to decay and eventually burn, but God’s plan for eternity will never go up in smoke. In God’s mercy He sent His Son to save the world. Take some time to reflect on this awesome truth, for you are the recipients of that promise.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado