Today’s scripture: Isaiah 43 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
As I read this passage, I thought about the people in Africa who never have enough food, where people starve to death of malnutrition. I think of the people who live in neighborhoods that are full of dilapidated housing, no fresh food, and the neighborhoods are littered with liquor and cigarette stores with junk food to offer. I think about the third world countries where people do not have running clean water or a chance at a good education.
Then I look back onto the passages, verses 2 and 3:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
I think: “God, we are overwhelmed. How come you are not protecting those in such great need?”
And then I remember Matthew 25:35-40:
“for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’”
Jesus is calling us to respond. God is with us, and we should be with those who are in great need. But there is so much! What can I do? How can I possibly make a difference?
At LifeJourney Church, we are doing many things. We have a homeless ministry that feeds homeless families with children at DaySpring Center, we help build homes for Navajo Nation that are given freely to those Native Americans who need one, we are going to Guatemala in October to help a community in need, we help fund educational opportunities for girls in South Sudan, an Oasis group visits people in prison, and LifeJourney Church has been at the forefront of LGBTQ justice issues in the State of Indiana for more than fifteen years. When we pull together, we can do so much more.
This reminds me of something Teresa of Avilla, a prominent Carmelite Nun, Roman Catholic Saint, and author who lived in the 16th century, said:
“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”
We walk through the rivers and fires with others, and help them on their journey. That is one way we follow God’s plan and that is one way God can work in the world. God is a mystery, yes. But we also know how we can be God’s companion and do God’s work. When we allow God to use us, God is truly with us!
Thought for the Day: I am restored in Christ. I am Christ hands, feet, eyes, and body. I better start moving and doing!
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.