Today’s scripture: Isaiah 49:8-26 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
If you’ve been following this series on the book of Isaiah, you know how long Israel has been mired in hopeless desolation. But just when it looked like they would never emerge from the darkness, light appears — the glorious light of God’s deliverance! It was about as stunning as if modern-day Iraq would receive this kind of prophecy, declaring their seemingly endless years of war and strife will be replaced by green pastures and refreshing springs of peace.
Israel thought God had forgotten them, but, ironically, it was Israel who had forgotten God. And God’s response assures them God never stopped having compassion on their prolonged suffering. Could a nursing mother forget her infant, or stop having compassion for him or her? No, but God declares, even if that were to happen, God would never forget one of His/Her beloved children. It’s inspiring to see that, even in this Old Testament writing from so long ago (when God was almost exclusively viewed as being the spiritual equivalent of a male) God’s love is shown to be as tender and tenacious as a mother’s.
Yes, God IS love — a love so big that we can only begin to understand the magnitude and depth of it when we let go of the framework of our understanding (surrendering our inferior attachments) and immerse our souls in the incomparable qualities of God. When we let go and look to God with the same singular, adoring focus as an infant looking up at mom or dad, then we’re in a position to at least glimpse a portion of this love of the ages.
But what brought about this deliverance? It wasn’t a totally independent, unilateral move on God’s part; Israel had to do their part as well. And I think it’s easy to see what their part was. It was putting an end to their idolatry. Israel had to change their spiritual orientation and direction (repent). They resolved in their hearts they would no longer spend themselves (their thoughts, their time, and their money) on distractions (idols) that forced God out as the object of their utmost love and devotion. They had reached the breaking point — very unpleasant of course — but the effects were fabulous! They realized the idols they had formerly adored were nothing, and that realization purified their hearts! As a result, they began to gaze at God like an adoring child again!
Thought for the day: I Peter 2:2 exhorts us to yearn for pure, spiritual milk (like infants) so we’ll grow into wholeness. Am I seeking pure spiritual milk, or junk food? God, help me purify my heart by letting go of anything I’m invested in which blocks the light of Your Love shining through my soul in all of its brilliance.
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.