The first reading today from the Prophet Isaiah is a companion piece with yesterday’s first reading from Ezekiel. Both readings speak to a people in exile and both offer visions of restoration to the covenant people of God. Yesterday, Ezekiel offered a vision of living water flowing from the Temple to restore life to the land and the people. Today Isaiah offers a similar vision that the Lord “leads them and guides them beside springs of water. I will cut a road through all my mountains, and make my highways level.” (Isaiah 49:10-12) Isaiah reminds the people that the Lord will never forget them.