Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Elderly generation : Embodiments of Divine Experiences Imparting Hope

Isaiah 40:21-31
 
“but those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength...” (Is 40:31)

The popular saying –“Old is Gold” portrays the treasures the past gifts to the present. Old age is a similar gold treasury gathered along the journey of life on the earth. It carries the ups and downs of life that taught dos and don’ts to face life in varied circumstances and, acts as a guiding source for the coming generations. The passage for today reads aloud like the experiences of an old person to the young, nourishing them to face distress in their life.  

The portion is believed to be prophesied by Prophet Isaiah to the people of Judah when they were dragged into Babylonian exile that made them lose every hope about future. He rejuvenates the people in the knowledge of God and enumerating the experiences of God’s interventions in different situations of life.

As a wise old man, the prophet alludes to the incomparability of God in plans and actions. During difficulties, the human weaknesses and the events of powerlessness are not hurdles for God’s actions. Instead, as observed in the past, God’s faithfulness is evident in God’s intervention in such situations of trouble. This will help them to stand firm during crisis and be strengthened in the hope in God whom they always trusted.

Verse 31 begins with the phrase- “...those who wait for the Lord....” The root word for ‘wait’ in Hebrew is ‘qavah’ which literally means “wait” or “hope” intending “hopeful waiting” or “waiting in hope”.  Thus, ‘Hope’ is the final word of the prophet to the faithful in pain. It is the hope in God that empowers to face life and its challenges.

‘Hope in God’ is also the message that our older generation brings to us today in the present era of pandemic.  Just as our elders stood with hope to see God’s intervention in God’s own time during harsh experiences of their life, we too need to wait hopefully for God to act. The portion ends on the note that those who wait with hope are strengthened to move forward, for it is like the wind that makes an eagle to fly without being worn out.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, You are our hope and salvation. Strengthen us to face sufferings with grace. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Hope in God for God is faithful
 
Rijin M. George
Bethel Mar Thoma Church, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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