Friday 13 January 2012

Background

Verses 10-13 are a hymn of praise that reads like one of thepsalms, particularly Psalms96 and 98,both of which start with the same introduction and use similarimages of the roaring sea and all on the land joining in the praiseof God. The passage conjures up a powerful picture of excitingnoisy joyfulness. God is doing new things, the current dark dayswill soon be a thing of the past (verse9), and so everything that God has created, across the lengthand breadth of the known world, offers its thanks and praise.

The song of joy and praise contrasts sharply with the image of Godcrying out in childbirth (verse 14). It is a vivid picture of Godgasping and panting and is one of the few examples of feminineimagery used to describe God in the Bible. It is a reminder of thecreation story, when the spirit of God swept over the face of thewaters as part of a creative act (Genesis1:2), as well as Paul's reference to the whole of creationgroaning in labour pains as it waits for a new freedom to bebrought through Jesus Christ (Romans8:22).

It is also clear that this event cannot be held back, no matter howpainful it might feel at the time. Where once "I have held mypeace" (v. 14), now the will of God will not be restrained. Whereonce the exiles may have felt they could no longer hear God andthat they had been abandoned, now there will be no doubt aboutGod's work amongst them and for them. They may have been blind toGod's presence, but even in their blindness God will guide them toa better place. They will need to put their trust in God as theytravel a way that is unfamiliar, but it will be worthwhile as theircurrent darkness will be turned in to the light of a return totheir homeland (verse 16).

To Ponder

Many people find that listening to or taking partin music can bring them closer to God. What music helps you? Try tofind time today to listen to music that helps you to sing a song ofpraise.

How aware are you of your use of masculine orfeminine imagery?

What barriers do we place in the way of peoplewith disabilities taking a full part in the life of the Church?