Something About The Joy

Today, for my quiet time, I am reading an ancient text, written over 2500 years ago, on the topic of conspiracy theories. Apparently, there was a plethora of them buzzing around when Isaiah wrote His diatribe, about and to, the rebellious nation of Israel just before they were conquered by stronger enemies and their people were disbursed into the far corners of the known world.   This is an ancient story, but it seems unnervingly relevant to us living in North America today.   I should not be surprised. This whole ancient collection of books that make up our Bible constantly surprises me with its contemporary relevance.   This may be because the Bible is full of stories that unflinchingly portray human nature, which seems not to have changed a bit since the beginning of time. But the Book portrays more than human nature. It also shows the nature of the God who created human beings and cares, deeply and doggedly, about them.   Isaiah’s book is a commentary on what God’s