Waiting for the Lord... A reflection on IS 40:25-31
I believe that a little context is in need here so we can better understand what is being said.
The prophet Isaiah has foretold that the people of Judah will be held in captivity in Babylon for 70 years. A very crushing prophesy of doom for those Jews who were still trying to serve the Lord. In the light of this prophesy of doom, these faithful few needed hope to be reminded of the greatness and promises of God. Promises that always come to pass.
In 2 Peter 3:9, we read "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." There are going to be times in our lives when things will be tough. Tough to the point when we will feel that God has forgotten us, he has passed us by. God forbid. In Luke 12: 6-7, we read "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. And even the hairs on your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows."
These words mean more to me now than ever. For the past several months I have had to watch my 93
year old father battle with the onslaught of dementia. I have watched my mom work with him, protect him, love him, knowing all the while there is no cure for him. And this is a man who has spent the vast majority of his life committed to knowing, loving and living for the Lord. It would be easy to ask why God has forgotten him. My family and I grow tired and weary in our hopelessness and doubt in God, just as the people in Judah did. Yet the words of Isaiah inspire us, tell us that the Lord our God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. That by being faithful and obedient to the Lord, "he will renew our strength, so that we will soar as with eagle's wings."
In this time of Advent, let us remember that God keeps his promises. And like those believers in the Old Testament who waited for the Savior, Jesus, Emmanuel that was promised from the beginning, let us be steadfast in our faith to draw strength from the Lord. For in due time, as promised, Christ will come again bringing joy and peace for all that wait on the Lord.
In Revelation 21: 3-4, we read, "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with man and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away."
Author: Charlie DeLong, Athletics Department, Head Soccer Coach
The prophet Isaiah has foretold that the people of Judah will be held in captivity in Babylon for 70 years. A very crushing prophesy of doom for those Jews who were still trying to serve the Lord. In the light of this prophesy of doom, these faithful few needed hope to be reminded of the greatness and promises of God. Promises that always come to pass.
In 2 Peter 3:9, we read "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." There are going to be times in our lives when things will be tough. Tough to the point when we will feel that God has forgotten us, he has passed us by. God forbid. In Luke 12: 6-7, we read "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. And even the hairs on your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows."
These words mean more to me now than ever. For the past several months I have had to watch my 93
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| Student Exchange to Guadalajara November 2017 |
In this time of Advent, let us remember that God keeps his promises. And like those believers in the Old Testament who waited for the Savior, Jesus, Emmanuel that was promised from the beginning, let us be steadfast in our faith to draw strength from the Lord. For in due time, as promised, Christ will come again bringing joy and peace for all that wait on the Lord.
In Revelation 21: 3-4, we read, "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with man and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away."
Author: Charlie DeLong, Athletics Department, Head Soccer Coach
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