Today’s scripture: Isaiah 5:24-30 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Terri Brown):
My imagination has always been extraordinary. From a young age I recall thinking I could see to the end of the earth, and I was sure some large hand was there to catch any person who ventured that far. In fact I was disappointed when I learned about Columbus in school and that he set out to prove the world was round. He destroyed an image of greatness for me. I am sure part of the my vision related to the song “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” because I definitely would sing that song so proudly as I used the actions, pretending to be God and feeling awesome as I emulated God’s enormous ability to hold everyone on Earth in his hands. Now I doubt I was able to conceive how many people that actually represented; but it still was impressive.
And so my perception of any readings I heard from the Bible also had this conception beyond conventional norms as I saw images of a small boy blowing a trumpet and causing walls — which I envisioned as 20 feet high and miles long — to come tumbling down and Goliath as tall as a mountain being knocked down by a pebble from David’s slingshot, or Daniel in the lion’s den surrounded by animals with teeth as large as pop bottles.
So I still have pictures in my head of Jesus on the cross and destruction all around him with smoke coming from the ground as fire had taken all the land around him from an earthquake and other natural destructive forces. I think of the void and hollowness His followers must have felt and see bare, purposeless space in the dark images of my mind. Only emptiness and desolation appeared in His absence.
That is the impression I have when I read the second half of Isaiah 5. It is also what I consider life without God will be like, as my interpretation of Heaven and hell is from that viewpoint. Heaven will be eternal life with God. Hell will be without God … barren, scorched, void of life.
Isaiah 5:24 states: “Therefore as the fire devours the stubble and the flame consumes the chaff, so there roots shall be rottenness, and there blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts and despised the Holy One of Israel.”
Thus it appears those who disobey, disappoint, or turn away from God will suffer this destruction. It is obvious to most of us that it is difficult to renew or revive land that has been ruined to this point. I do not want to think of this representation but know this image assists me in appreciating the relationship I have with God and the church family I have grown to love.
My life is not desolate or empty. I can appreciate God and my life because I have experienced darkness and felt the flame of destruction come too close for comfort. I have been fulfilled and have a meaningful and purposeful life with my family, friends, church, and God.
Thought for the day: Today, imagine life without God — without greenery, people, pets, or even the ability to see or imagine. Praise God for the little things and the big things. Thank God for having a hand in your life.
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.