Isaiah 66:10-14 – [The Lord says,] “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her; that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious abundance.” For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bones shall flourish like the grass; and the hand of the Lord shall be known to His servants, and He shall show His indignation against His enemies.”
It’s impossible for me to read this passage without remembering the year I nursed my son. He was born early, and he had to eat every 90 minutes. It felt like all I ever did was nurse him!
And because it had been a dangerous pregnancy and a hard first year, I became aware of just how fragile nursing mothers and babies are. So many things can upset that relationship. If the mother eats the wrong things, if the baby is ill, if the family is not in a safe place, if there is constant stress and danger—why, then the mother’s milk supply may dry up, and the baby will suffer for it.
But that’s not the picture God paints for us here. In this passage we see Jerusalem as a happy mother of many children, all of them believers in the Lord. There is no shortage or stress, no fear or harm or disaster; nothing but peace and comfort and joy. How can this be?
Because anyone who has read the Old Testament knows how often Jerusalem is blamed for the evils of her people. Everything from idolatry to cannibalism took place in those city walls over the years—and finally, of course, the rejection of Jesus the Messiah, and His death just outside the walls. I would expect to see this city destroyed and abandoned forever, not a happy mother of children! What happened?
What happened is the Lord. He knows that human hearts aren’t going to change on their own; we are always going astray. But out of His own kindness and love, He has chosen to forgive and save Jerusalem—and all humanity with her. He says, “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river … As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you … and the hand of the Lord shall be known to His servants.”
The hand of the Lord is known to His servants—and it is a hand that carries the nail marks of the cross. Because that is the lovingkindness that God has toward us, a love that is greater than any mother’s love for her children—a love that led God to come into this world to suffer, die, and rise again as our Savior. And His Name among us is Jesus—“The Lord is salvation.” Because that is what He has made Himself for our sake.
(This Daily was written by Dr. Kari Vo.)
The 12 disciples were chosen by Jesus to follow Him, learn from Him, and eventually spread the gospel to the world. They were ordinary men—fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots—whom Jesus transformed into bold witnesses of His message. This Bible study will explore their lives, calling, and how their faith impacted the early church.
Bible study will continue this Sunday @ 10:30 following Fellowship in the sanctuary.
You are like a special helper sent on an exciting mission! Just like messengers spreading good news, you can share kindness, love, and peace wherever you go. Even if things get tough, remember—you’re never alone. God sees your heart and celebrates every small act of love.
Shine bright, little messenger—God’s joy is with you!
JESUS CONNECTIONS will be taking a summer break ☀️
We’ll be pausing our meetups and events over the summer, but don’t worry—we’ll be back in full swing once school starts! Keep an eye out for updates as we gear up for a fresh semester of fellowship, growth, and Jesus-infused connection.
Until then, enjoy a restful and joy-filled summer—see you soon!
We’d love to see what you want to bring! If you like it, we will love it! Thank you, St. Mark family for your generous hearts with our Fellowship time!
A generous heart always has more to give!
Jerry Byers - Doctors have Jerry on a treatment plan and is doing much better without surgery.
Aaron Byers (Helen Cantrell's son) - Diagnosed with Metastatic Malignant Melanoma.
Helen Cantrell - Health issues
Hoehne Family - Death of a son and brother.
Mark Dubois - Recovering from foot surgery.
Kris Crawford - Received some facial treatments for cancer spot and is now in some pain. Thankful for healing, wear sunscreen so as not to endure skin cancer.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.
Prayer requests can now be sent to stmarkelko@gmail.com.
Gentlemen, it’s time for food, faith, and fellowship! Join us this Friday, July 4th, 8:30 a.m. @ Toki Ona for a delicious breakfast, great conversation, and time to grow together in faith.
This is a wonderful chance to connect with other men, share experiences, and encourage each other in our walk with Christ. Everyone is welcome, whether you're new or a long-time member!
Bring a friend, and let’s make it a morning to remember!
We’re looking for enthusiastic voices to help celebrate Vicar Jake’s installation at the end of July. If you love to sing and would like to be part of this special occasion, we’d love to have you join the choir for the service. No formal experience required—just a willing heart and joyful spirit!
Mark your calendars for our choir practice scheduled for Sunday, July 6th, following service. Additional practice dates will be shared soon as we continue preparing for this special event
Let your voice be part of this momentous occasion!