Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Proclamation
of Redemption
Jocelyn Chacko
St. Thomas MTC, NY
4.“Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will
come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
Isaiah 35:1-10 is a strikingly
beautiful and powerful passage. We read of a God who is powerful enough to
create streams of water in the desert, to grant sight to the blind, and to
create a way in the desert for His people. We read of a faithful God that has
promised to rescue His people and restore them so that joy may overtake
them--away from their present sorrows and sighing. This passage is meant to be
comforting and encouraging; it is a declaration of the incredible power and the
loving intentions that God has for His people.
The Proclamation of Redemption Brings Power
The
imagery used in this passage is larger than life. God restores the ability to
walk to those who were lame—and they leap for joy. God restores the ability to
speak to the mute and they shout for joy. Water gushes forth from the parched
desert and it bursts into bloom. God’s redemption is not subtle. It brings
wholeness where there is brokenness, turns inability into ability, and
replaces that which is lacking with abundance.
The Proclamation of Redemption Brings a Promise
The
passage also describes all of this as God’s promise. God will come. Isaiah is
declaring a victory that is to be fulfilled generations later through the birth
of Jesus. Isaiah encourages us saying, “Be strong, do not fear.” Though our
present situation may seem unbearable, the God whom we serve is powerful and He
cares for us. He yearns to make our joy complete. This is the promise which the
Israelites held onto during their oppression. This is no ordinary promise,
rather it will be fulfilled with a “vengeance” and “divine retribution.” Isaiah
is shouting a battle cry and declaring God the victor. The spoils of victory
are for those whom the Lord is saving. Everlasting joy will be their crown.
In
the advent season, we meditate upon the love that compelled God to send His son
to earth in human form. We celebrate the fact that our God honored this
powerful promise of our redemption.
PRAYER
Almighty God, help us to
experience the power of Your redemption and be filled with hope that it
promises. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." Bishop Desmond Tutu
"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." Bishop Desmond Tutu