Monday, March 12, 2007
Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 59:21
God’s mercy and faithfulness are beyond measure, even extravagant. For
the past two Mondays, we’ve encountered parts of this same chapter from
Isaiah. The prophet has described a pretty dismal state of affairs. One
might even call it beyond hope –– a total loss. He describes a society
where justice and righteousness are pushed aside, where “truth stumbles
in the public square,” like a man who’s been beaten to near
unconsciousness. The Lord is appalled at all of this. It sounds like
virtually every corner of this society, virtually all of the Lord’s
people are running in the direction of evil and destruction.
What would you do? If you were in the Lord’s place, what would you do?
“As for me, this is my covenant with them, says the Lord: my spirit that
is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not
depart out of your mouth. . . .”
In spite of all that’s happened, God does not give up on us. Even if
things seem beyond hope, there is still hope, because the Lord has
promised. God’s Spirit will endure. God’s word will endure. God’s mercy
will endure. God’s faithfulness is for all time. God’s Spirit is not
only with us, but within us. The Lord has chosen to give us his eternal
presence to enable us to speak words of justice, mercy, grace and
healing in a broken world, even as we are being healed from within.
Holy God, where would I be without your Spirit? Lost, weak, broken, even
dangerous. Thank you for your enduring, strengthening presence. Thank
you for calling me to ministry in your word. Make me your voice of
justice, mercy, grace and healing. Amen.
Eric O. Strom, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church