Let's look at Isaiah's words today. These words offer us concrete imagery as well as a message the repeats that God can make changes for the best. He is, through the prophet, making sure we know he will be there for us in whatever changes we make to grow closer to him and to live our lives in accord with his commandments.
In verse 13, right up front: "I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; .... Do not fear, I will help you." Later on (verses 15 and 16) he tells us how he will use us to make changes. Those expressions about the water speak of a new Exodus more wonderful and awesome than the first Exodus where God gave the wondering Jews water for their desert journeys. Isaiah, in preparing us for the new Messiah, makes the wilderness like the new Eden. He writes so beautifully about change to something new.
The wonder of this for us is a simple question: "do I really believe this can happen in my own life? Am I faith-filled enough to trust that God can create something new in and through me?
Surely these verses of Isaiah are an example for me to recall how God has blessed me. These words God has given Isaiah are presented to me to assure me that I am truly called by name.
"In the wilderness, I will put cedar trees (pictured above) ...." What may have been emptiness or loneliness changes. Trees, signs of God's presence, will abound. In the deserts of our lives, the dryness, the heat, God will put trees and water ... good things in our lives.
Please remember in your prayers, Shirley Zahner, who died Wednesday, early in the morning. A life-long nurse, Shirley dedicated her life to her patients and her husband. Today, no doubt, she has confronted the biggest change in her life ... she begins a new life filled with all the wonder of this Isaiah reading. Shirley lived with her husband, Fred, in Huntingtown. Also remember Fred and their daughter who will experience a great emptiness in their new change.
