2026 Epiphany Devotions
Wednesday, February 4
Isaiah 58:6-12
6 Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover them
and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly;
your vindicator shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9a Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
you shall cry for help, and he will say, “Here I am.”
9b If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
10 if you offer your food to the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
and your gloom be like the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your needs in parched places
and make your bones strong,
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water
whose waters never fail.
12 Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to live in.
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“… 8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly;…then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. …”
The prophet minces no words. God’s light shines only when we take care of those who are least able to care for themselves and when we work to end injustice, oppression, and violence. It is then that healing, hope, and wholeness abound. It is then that God’s favor is revealed. Until then, the prophet declares, we live in darkness.
John’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World. His work and mission includes caring for the least and vulnerable, setting the oppressed go free, and ushering in the year of the Lord’s favor. In him is found the light of healing, hope, and wholeness promised by Isaiah. He is the prophet’s words incarnate.
As the church, the body of Christ, we are the living, breathing witness to Jesus’ mission and Isaiah’s words. We are called to be the light that breaks forth like the dawn and rises amidst the darkness. That light shines only when we follow Jesus’ example and the prophetic witness. Caring for the least, the lost, and the lonely, working to end injustice and oppression, striving for peace and unity, and serving all God’s people wherever and whoever they may be is our mission and ministry. When that happens, God’s light shines forth in all the world.
Prayer: God of Light, You have revealed what is good and what is demanded of Your people. Inspire us, Your Church, to be a light to our neighbors, to our communities, and to Your world. Amen.