Psalm: 40

Meditation

Isaiah: This is a curious reading for it sets Bible scholars’ hearts aflutter. Cyrus in verse 28 is a Persian king – the thing is he will not have been born for well over 100 years to come. It is he who would release the Jews from Babylon – but at this point in time, they had yet to be carried off. Because Cyrus is identified by name, many Biblical scholars believe that Isaiah’s insertion here, by say, an editor, means he did not prophesy this. What people won’t do for an opportunity to call God a liar. (Now, that would grieve the Holy Spirit!!)

Gospel: 

Mark 4:1-20

New Testament:

Ephesians 5:1-14

Old Testament:

Isaiah 44:24—45:7