Isaiah 43:15-21 (New Revised Standard Version)
15 I am the LORD, your Holy One,
the Creator of Israel, your King.
16 Thus says the LORD,
who makes a way in the sea,
a path in the mighty waters,
17 who brings out chariot and horse,
army and warrior;
they lie down, they cannot rise,
they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
18 Do not remember the former things,
or consider the things of old.
19 I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
20 The wild animals will honor me,
the jackals and the ostriches;
for I give water in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people,
21 the people whom I formed for myself
so that they might declare my praise.
the Creator of Israel, your King.
16 Thus says the LORD,
who makes a way in the sea,
a path in the mighty waters,
17 who brings out chariot and horse,
army and warrior;
they lie down, they cannot rise,
they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
18 Do not remember the former things,
or consider the things of old.
19 I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
20 The wild animals will honor me,
the jackals and the ostriches;
for I give water in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people,
21 the people whom I formed for myself
so that they might declare my praise.
Some Thoughts on Today’s Reading—Pastor Pam
In these verses from Isaiah the great prophet is encouraging the people of Israel. They have seen the great city of Jerusalem fall and watched as their leaders have been led off to exile in Babylon. Years have passed. Perhaps they have become used to the routine of exile and of life gone sideways.
Take heart, God says to the people through Isaiah. “I am about to do a new thing.” The people are asked if they perceive what God is doing in their midst.
This later part of Isaiah is a perfect match up to individuals and congregations preparing for a new journey in faith. As we conclude our Stewardship Campaign in October called “The Story of Us,” we find ourselves in a moment of seeking the “new” God has in store for our church.
So often, we plan by looking only at what financial resources we have. This is essential, but the Holy Spirit brings vision and promise of new things to come. If we open ourselves to the Spirit, we can hear the words of the major prophet Isaiah speak God’s words of encouragement and inspiration for the future.
Ever wonder why Isaiah is known as a major prophet? It’s because he wrote so much! May we have much to write about and say in Christ’s name as we envision the life of RUMC in 2020.
Peace and Grace,
Pastor Pam
Pastor Pam