Today’s scripture: Isaiah 27:1-13 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
Isaiah 27 is a prophecy that sounds a lot like Jesus parable of the prodigal son.
The Israelites in disarray, scattered by their enemies. But this happens because they are not following God’s plan. But alas, they come back together and celebrate together. The trumpet sounds and they worship on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.
In Jesus story in Luke 15, the youngest son gathers all his belongings after getting his inheritance from Dad, and takes off. He squanders everything. His version of scattering involves running off and squandering everything. On his return, and confession, Dad throws him a party, for he has was dead and now he is alive again! Sounds like what God, or Dad in this analogy, does for the Israelites.
Think about it. When in life have we decided to run off, do our own thing, and then have to retreat and confess that a mistake is made.
I remember when I was in college and decided to join a fraternity a few months after I turned 18. One night on the way back home from an event at a not so nice place rated XXX, the person driving was so drunk, they could not keep their eyes from rolling to the back of their head. Once I saw this too many times, the next stop, no matter where it was, I was getting out of the truck. So I did. I had no idea where I was. I was in Orlando, Florida for college, only for a short time at that point. I was from Maryland, just outside Washington D.C. I was joining a fraternity to make friends, but I did not need friends like this. I eventually had to call a cab because I was lost.
When I talked to others in the fraternity, those who were more serious about school like I was, we made a pact. We would pick and chose the kind of events we attended when it came to the parties, but we would maintain our integrity and not give in to the pressure. There were mostly good events that were part of fraternity life, but it was those dang party events. The hazing I went through for induction was a venture through the woods with a blindfold. It was set up like it was haunted, so it was kind of fun going through a haunted house. No harm down.
Word got out to the Dean of Students about what happened with me when I got out of the truck in the middle of know where and how I felt about that side of fraternity life. He asked me to be on the Fraternity Counsel, which consisted of 8 people, 4 students and 4 faculty. Not exactly what I would have expected as an out of state student not even on campus for a month. I felt this was my victory; my return or my welcoming home. I was not afraid to tell people what happened that made me decide how I would integrate into campus life. Instead of just dropping out as a pledge, I decided to raise my voice and talk about the time I felt scattered, not knowing what I was really doing in pledging a fraternity beyond making quick friends. I could remember so vividly what it felt like to be lost that night when I got out of that truck. I really was scared.
I was able to find friends who were more like me. The recognition by the Dean certainly made it a celebration. I also joined a second fraternity; a Christian service fraternity, which focused on service activities around the area. That helped me to feel more grounded in my faith. I found my family of people where we could hear the trumpets sounding, and could share a feast together. It was like being on the hill and celebrating.
Thought for the Day: After roaming around a bit and wandering into things that draw me away from God, am I able to celebrate finding my way back? Does it draw me closer so I don’t wander so much? Praise, Worship, Pray and Serve; draw closer to God.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.