Have you ever noticed that someone needs help - but maybe been too shy to go over and lend them a hand? This week as I was driving I noticed a car up ahead in the distance that had broken down on the side of the road. As I got a little closer I watched as another car pulled off to help the man standing there next to it - and it made me think.
In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bore them, and carried them all the days of old.
For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, until her righteousness go forth as brightness. The nations shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of Yahweh shall name.
The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me; because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to those who are bound.
Even as important as water is, John the Baptist tells us this: "I baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit" (1:8). When you accept God's love, God's Spirit - the Holy Spirit becomes a part of who you are. God's love is within you. It guides you, nurtures you, and helps you live the best possible life. It is life-giving. We need water and we need God's Spirit!
"Arise, shine; for your light has come. For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth; but Yahweh will arise on you, and his glory shall be seen on you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising."
If you draw out your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: then Yahweh will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in dry places, and make strong your bones; and you shall be like a watered garden, whose waters don't fail.
The foreigners who join themselves to Yahweh; even them will I bring to my holy mountain. Their burnt offerings shall be accepted on my altar. My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.
All we like sheep have gone astray. Yahweh has laid on him the iniquity of us all. When he was afflicted he didn't open his mouth. As a lamb that is led to the slaughter, so he didn't open his mouth.
He was despised, and rejected by men; a man of suffering, and acquainted with disease. He was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed.