Incline your ear, and come to me; listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love…
Isaiah 55
This particular verse in Isaiah speaks incredible words of hope to a hurt and frightened people. The people of Judah and Jerusalem have been in exile for 40 years. The Babylonians had been violently removed from their homeland, leaving them wandering in the wilderness. In this verse the prophet brings a word of hope of return. Earlier the prophet tried to convince the people that God was powerful enough to save, and had the will to do it. At the end of his message he again returns to the themes of human frailty and the utter reliability of God’s word.
We've all experienced times in the wilderness where our humanness shines through. I've learned something about human frailty this past year. After experiencing a heart attack a year ago today, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the message behind the verse, "listen, so that you may live." Life wasn't easy for the Israelites thousands of years ago and truth is life isn't getting any easier for many folks today. Yet, the truth remains that God has made an everlasting covenant with us. His love endures forever and His Word gives true life. My prayer for each one of us is that we can all find hope in the promises made by our loving and gracious God. That we would be reminded that Christ shared our humanity with us so that we wouldn't have to walk this journey alone. And that our spirits would be overflowing from the life that springs forth from his word. Just listen….
Amanda Knouse +
