Isaiah 35:1-5 (NIV)
The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
Conventional wisdom these days says that the current "postmodern" generation has a particular liking for metaphors.
Sometimes, the deepest things of faith and life can't be easily communicated in a straightforward way. What we need is the power of symbol.
How about this passage from Isaiah for a powerful symbol of joy?
When the messiah comes --- the desert will be glad --- it will rejoice and shout for joy.
Wouldn't it be great to hear that sound?
Joy, it seems, is often directly attached to the fulfillment of our deepest held longings and dreams. If that is the case, then Christmas (by way of Easter) is the ultimate source of our joy.
There was nothing Israel had longed for more than the King --- who would sit on David's throne and restore peace, justice and righteousness to the people. God's favor, and promise...fulfilled.
Joy.
What joy there must have been for the shepherd who witnessed angels and then gathered at a stable on that very first Christmas.
But even greater joy must have been felt by the women who gathered at the tomb on that first Easter Sunday morning. Where there was brokenness...healing. Where there was only death and pain...life and joy.
Joy that would make the desert shout out loud.
Prayer: Lord, we are thankful for last week's rain and the life that it sustains. The image of "parched land" blooming under your watchful care is a powerful one for us. We depend on your love to sustain us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.
Tomorrow's Scripture: James 5:7-10
Sometimes, the deepest things of faith and life can't be easily communicated in a straightforward way. What we need is the power of symbol.
How about this passage from Isaiah for a powerful symbol of joy?
When the messiah comes --- the desert will be glad --- it will rejoice and shout for joy.
Wouldn't it be great to hear that sound?
Joy, it seems, is often directly attached to the fulfillment of our deepest held longings and dreams. If that is the case, then Christmas (by way of Easter) is the ultimate source of our joy.
There was nothing Israel had longed for more than the King --- who would sit on David's throne and restore peace, justice and righteousness to the people. God's favor, and promise...fulfilled.
Joy.
What joy there must have been for the shepherd who witnessed angels and then gathered at a stable on that very first Christmas.
But even greater joy must have been felt by the women who gathered at the tomb on that first Easter Sunday morning. Where there was brokenness...healing. Where there was only death and pain...life and joy.
Joy that would make the desert shout out loud.
Prayer: Lord, we are thankful for last week's rain and the life that it sustains. The image of "parched land" blooming under your watchful care is a powerful one for us. We depend on your love to sustain us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.
Tomorrow's Scripture: James 5:7-10
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