A common sporting event around the nation and around the world is that of a marathon run which is 26.2 miles or the running a half marathon – you know – the oval sticker on the back of some cars with “13.1” on it.
The marathon race is based on a story – true or not – or not so true – that in 490 BC a runner ran non-stop from Marathon, Greece, to Athens, with news of a military victory (legend has it that it was a false report and that the runner collapsed and died upon rendering the report).
And a reminder of nine years ago: The Boston Marathon bombing was a domestic terrorist attack that took place during the annual Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013. Two terrorists and brothers, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, planted two homemade pressure cooker bombs, which detonated 14 seconds and 210 yards apart at 2:49 p.m., near the finish line of the race, killing three people and injuring hundreds of others, including 17 who lost limbs. Wikipedia
This Sunday is Resurrection Sunday when we especially focus on Jesus’ conquest of death and the grave – Hallelujah!
For our worship, we are going to use Isaiah 52. I encourage you to read this chapter ahead of time. In the service we are going to do a sketch based on that chapter with a “script” provided which is nothing more than the verses of that chapter in a mixed order.
This musing is to give you a heads-up so you might be more ready to grasp the flow of the service on Sunday at Standing Stone Bible.
Isaiah 52:7-8, How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims… Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together;
OK, do you see the marathon idea here? Those at “Athens” and a runner approaching?
Now Chapter 52 flows out of 51 (note 51:9 and 17 with 52:1) and the end of 52 should more likely be a part of chapter 53 – the fourth Servant Song (chapter breaks and verses markings are not inspired and while often good, sometimes they are detrimental to the message of the Word. Be wise!)
Isaiah 51:1 through 52:6 is about hope for Jerusalem which was in a state of destruction, desolation and depression because of God’s wrath – His just judgment! Isaiah 51:17, Awake, awake! Stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of His fury; you have drunk the dregs of the cup of trembling, and drained it out.
At the top of 52 God is telling Jerusalem that the days of oppression and sadness were to come to an end. In 52:7 comes news of hope, victory and peace from the Creator God who reigns!
The watchmen (52:8) will call to the inhabitants to break into song and celebration as the all-powerful God has brought about redemption and salvation. Those taken away from the city and held as captives will be freed and told to return in peace (52:11-12).
And how is it such freedom and restoration to peace and joy is possible? Isaiah 52:13-15 – “My Servant!” Jesus! Jesus was beaten and battered and then His life taken only to rise in victory over death and the grave to impact nations and kings.
This chapter has a personal application for each of us in that we are each in captivity to the curse with its denigration and death, bent toward sinning and rebellion, and filled with fear and hopelessness. And through faith and acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice, our lives can be turned to love, joy and peace. We can rise from the dust to take a seat in glorious clothes (52:1-2). We are called to leave the world and set into following our God who reigns! (52:10-12, 7b)
May our worship/celebration this Sunday be a great praise to our God (52:8-9)!
a PK Musing 
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