Saturday 13 December 2025

Psalm 40:1-8

Background
This is one of the most lyrical chapters in the writing of Isaiah of Jerusalem. It was among the (many) passages we were required to learn by heart at school. It felt like a chore at the time, but it's been such a blessing ever since.

Have you ever walked any of the many pilgrim routes across Spain to Santiago de Compostela? Towards the end of the trail, pilgrims come over a hill and, suddenly, the city is there before them, with the wonderful Basilica of Santiago. The journey’s end is in sight. All the tough walking is worth it, the blisters and aching muscles are forgotten, and fatigue is swallowed up in joy! And so it was for the pilgrims going up to Jerusalem at Passover. The steep climb up the hill to the city from the River Jordan is challenging, but it is forgotten in the joy of getting there.

In today's passage, the joyful arrival of the pilgrims at Jerusalem is prefaced by an account of the joy of the created world through which they have travelled – the wilderness rejoices, the burning desert sands are flowing with water, there are swamps and reeds and rushes. Everything is lush and fertile and the walkers themselves are strengthened and the infirm made whole.

The picture presented here by Isaiah is that of the life-giving relationship between God, the created world and human beings. The welfare of the land and of its inhabitants are inextricably bound together: the land rejoices and so do the people. Recognising this critical relationship is key to how we handle the environmental issues facing God’s world today.

Isaiah’s vision of the rejoicing community is full of promise, the promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came that all might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). We prepare for his coming – as a child in Bethlehem, but also in glory at the end of time.

To Ponder:

• William Henry Davies wrote: "What is life, if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?" When did you last take time to stand and stare at the beauty of the world around you, at a night sky, or a sunrise? What about now?

Prayer
Loving God, you have crowned us with glory and honour and given us dominion over the works of your hands. Enable us to accept this responsibility with joy and thanksgiving. Amen.

Bible notes author: Gillian Kingston
Gillian Kingston is a local preacher on the North Tipperary Circuit of the Methodist Church in Ireland and an ex-Vice President of the World Methodist Council. She was the first Lay Leader of the Conference of the Methodist Church in Ireland. Married to Tom, a retired Methodist minister, and with four adult children, she is also the besotted grandmother of seven beautiful granddaughters and one handsome grandson.