Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
God’s promise in the midst of disappointments
Bible portion:Isaiah 42: 1-9Verse 6-7: “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”
Reflection:
At this point in the book of Isaiah, we see the Israelites coming out of a long journey of following God and defeating the Egyptians. Israel became a great nation that saw many victories and people were likely feeling very confident about their future. They also fell into sin and were called to turn from their ways. Then, the unthinkable happened. The Babylonians defeated Israel, destroyed the temple they built, stole their treasures, and took them into bondage. This victory was a complete devastation of the political, social, economic, and religious life God’s people had grown accustomed to. Left alone, thoughts of abandonment must have been at the forefront of their minds. Was God still God and were they still God’s people?
If we take a step back from this crisis we can see God’s promise laid out in Isaiah 42 for all of His creation. In Verse 6-7 God reminds His people of their purpose, He is calling them to righteousness not just for themselves, but for all the nations. God has not abandoned them but is indeed at work among them.
Ironically, in Isaiah 42 we don’t see any talk of retaliation against the Babylonians. Instead, the focus is shifted from Israel’s individual problems to the wider view of God’s promise. Something we should always remember is that God’s plan and promise for us is beyond our wildest dreams and will be unfolded in a personalized way for each of us in His time. When our plans don’t go our way, we can be disappointed, we can think of revenge, but God is the ultimate problem solver and judge.
As one year ends a new one begins, we often reflect on what triumphs and failures we’ve endured in the last year, and what we can do differently moving forward. We consider the ways we can make better life choices and live a righteous life. God is still the same God, the One who promises us a bright future. When our situation looks bleak, are we ready to give up control and trust in His Greater Plan? I challenge you to join me this year in letting God be the driver’s seat and watching His Blessings overflow.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as we begin a new year, let us be reminded that when we face difficult situations you will always be there to take our hand and guide us. May we wait patiently for your direction and be a living testimony of your promises fulfilled.
Thought for the Day
Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right." — Max Lucado
Sarah Jacob, Long Island Mar Thoma Church
At this point in the book of Isaiah, we see the Israelites coming out of a long journey of following God and defeating the Egyptians. Israel became a great nation that saw many victories and people were likely feeling very confident about their future. They also fell into sin and were called to turn from their ways. Then, the unthinkable happened. The Babylonians defeated Israel, destroyed the temple they built, stole their treasures, and took them into bondage. This victory was a complete devastation of the political, social, economic, and religious life God’s people had grown accustomed to. Left alone, thoughts of abandonment must have been at the forefront of their minds. Was God still God and were they still God’s people?
If we take a step back from this crisis we can see God’s promise laid out in Isaiah 42 for all of His creation. In Verse 6-7 God reminds His people of their purpose, He is calling them to righteousness not just for themselves, but for all the nations. God has not abandoned them but is indeed at work among them.
Ironically, in Isaiah 42 we don’t see any talk of retaliation against the Babylonians. Instead, the focus is shifted from Israel’s individual problems to the wider view of God’s promise. Something we should always remember is that God’s plan and promise for us is beyond our wildest dreams and will be unfolded in a personalized way for each of us in His time. When our plans don’t go our way, we can be disappointed, we can think of revenge, but God is the ultimate problem solver and judge.
As one year ends a new one begins, we often reflect on what triumphs and failures we’ve endured in the last year, and what we can do differently moving forward. We consider the ways we can make better life choices and live a righteous life. God is still the same God, the One who promises us a bright future. When our situation looks bleak, are we ready to give up control and trust in His Greater Plan? I challenge you to join me this year in letting God be the driver’s seat and watching His Blessings overflow.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as we begin a new year, let us be reminded that when we face difficult situations you will always be there to take our hand and guide us. May we wait patiently for your direction and be a living testimony of your promises fulfilled.
Thought for the Day
Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right." — Max Lucado
Sarah Jacob, Long Island Mar Thoma Church