Show Notes
In this first week of Eastertide Case explores the future glory of Zion in Isaiah 60 and how it can be seen as a metaphor for God’s invitation to pursue Christ-like cultural renewal.
Nuance’s Formed for Formation is a weekly liturgy to encourage all of us to be faithful to Christ in the public square. Join Case Thorp as he follows the Church calendar through the reading of Scripture, prayer, and short reflections on faith in all facets of public life.
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Episode Transcript
Today we are in the season of Eastertide. Eastertide is filled with themes of salvation, victory, new life, joy, and the reign of Christ. Christ’s triumph unfolds, salvation blooms, joy abounds, new life reigns in him.
Isaiah 60: 1-6
“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
“Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the hip.
Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come.
Herds of camels will cover your land,
young camels of Midian and Ephah.
And all from Sheba will come,
bearing gold and incense
and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.
Isaiah 60 in the Bible. This passage speaks of the future glory of Zion, where it is prophesied that nations will come to the light of Jerusalem and Kings to the brightness of its dawn. They will bring gifts of gold and frankincense and proclaim the praise of the Lord.
When considering connections to cultural renewal, particularly from a Christian perspective, Isaiah 60 can be interpreted metaphorically as a vision of the renewal and restoration of not only the city of Jerusalem, but also of humanity and culture under the guidance and blessing of God. This passage suggests a spiritual awakening where nations turn to the light of God.
In a context of cultural renewal, this can signify a revival of faith and moral values, leading to a more spiritually centered society. The image of nations coming together and bringing gifts symbolizes unity and reconciliation among diverse cultures. Cultural renewal often involves fostering understanding, cooperation, and peace among different communities and nations.
The bringing of gifts like gold and frankincense can represent a sharing of cultural richness and resources. In a renewed cultural context, there is a celebration and appreciation of diverse cultural expressions leading to enrichment and mutual benefit. The prophetic vision of the glory of Zion can be seen as a metaphor for redemption and restoration. In cultural renewal, there is a process of redemption and restoration of cultural values, traditions, and practices that may have been lost or corrupted over time. The act of nations coming to the light suggests a pursuit of wisdom and truth. Cultural renewal often involves a re -examination of beliefs, values, and norms with an emphasis on seeking deeper understanding and enlightenment.
Psalm 72: 1-7
Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
May he judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
May he defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
may he crush the oppressor.
May he endure as long as the sun,
as long as the moon, through all generations.
May he be like rain falling on a mown field,
like showers watering the earth.
In his days may the righteous flourish
and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, as we journey through this season of Eastertide, we are reminded of the victory of your Son, Jesus Christ, over sin and death. May the joy of His resurrection fill our hearts with hope and confidence in your promises. Help us to live each day in the light of His triumph, knowing that through Him, we too are made new. Amen.
Our final scripture reading comes from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians beginning chapter three, verse one.
1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
