The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany (OTA)

Isaiah 57:14-21

¹⁴  And it shall be said, 

“Build up, build up, prepare the way, 

remove every obstruction from my people’s way.” 

¹⁵  For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, 

who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 

“I dwell in the high and holy place, 

and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, 

to revive the spirit of the lowly, 

and to revive the heart of the contrite. 

¹⁶  For I will not contend forever, 

nor will I always be angry; 

for the spirit would grow faint before me, 

and the breath of life that I made. 

¹⁷  Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry, 

I struck him; I hid my face and was angry, 

but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart. 

¹⁸  I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; 

I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, 

¹⁹  creating the fruit of the lips. 

Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the Lord, 

“and I will heal him. 

²⁰  But the wicked are like the tossing sea; 

for it cannot be quiet, 

and its waters toss up mire and dirt. 

²¹  There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.” 

The Peace of God surpasses all understanding. With the wicked and selfish there is no peace. But God sends his only Son to redeem sinners. God sends his Son to break down the dividing wall. God dwells in the high and holy place. God dwells in the heights over all creation. God loves you so much that the Father sends his Son to die in your place.

Many people are calling for peace. They are calling for peace in a war they have started. They are calling for peace in a war between right and wrong. They are calling for peace between countries that need not agree. Everyone desires peace on Earth, but nobody seems to understand the real problem.

The problem is Sin, selfishness, pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness. People think God loves them and has justified whatever action they please. This is simply wrong. The Father sent his Son to die for your sins. Woe to you who speak peace where there is no peace. Christ dies for sins not to bless your sinful actions, but to forgive you. Woe to those who seek peace. Blessed are the poor, hungry, and outcast.