Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

Sabbath: Leading to the Perfection of Creation

Julie George,
Long Island MTC, New York 

24 Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.


In this passage, we read about an Almighty Creator who is unrelenting in His care and love for His followers. Isaiah particularly highlights the theme of former and latter things. Isaiah writes that “the former things will not be remembered”, and rather focuses on how God will make a new pathway for His people (vs. 17). In this week’s Bible reading, the passage begins with the assurance that the Lord will create new heavens and a new earth, as well as a renewed Jerusalem where the people will be filled with joy. Ultimately, we learn how God is in complete control of time and longs to bless His people who serve Him evidenced in the following verse: “For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands” (vs. 22).
 

    Followers may endure tribulations, trials, and temptations. However, Isaiah points out that God is constantly watching and listening to His people’s prayers and cries. Isaiah writes, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (vs 24). While we may experience misfortunes and pain, the Lord will never abandon or forsake His people. Walking with God elicits a life where labor will not be in vain (vs. 23) and where harm will not be invited (vs. 25) because He is a constant source of protection. Above all, Isaiah praises God for His promise of restoration and underscores God’s followers as “a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them” (vs. 23).

PRAYER

Lord, we come to You humbled and thankful for Your unending love. We pray that You help us to seek You in all times – both in times of misfortune and joy. We ask that You help us to stay disciplined in our faith and walk with You always. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Both God and His followers long for a life of unending joy and reconciliation; we can attain this path by seeking Him at all times through prayer and faith.   

 

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more