by Rev Don Schatz

God’s Promise.

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“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
Isaiah 55:12, New International Version

Isaiah was speaking to a “troubled heart Jerusalem” when the Lord gave him these words to speak.  This lone verse is surrounded by a chapter of promise, which in turn is surrounded by other chapters of promise.  How does the prophet dare speak such words to a troubled heart?

A woman visited my office unexpectedly this morning.  She visited with tears.  They stained not only her cheeks, but her clothes and even the carpet on the floor.  She was a troubled heart.  Would Isaiah speak such words to her?  Could I?  Would you?

What if it is you with the troubled heart, with tears cutting rivers down the lines of your face?  How do you receive words of promise at such a time?  Where does Isaiah get the nerve to speak such words into Jerusalem’s pain, into your pain, or mine?

Vision.  The prophetic vision sees the up close reality in all its painfulness, and also sees the distant glory of God’s promised redemptive healing.  The prophet sees it ‘all at once’ and speaks the ‘all at once’ into the present moment and experience.  It is as though he says, “God is bigger than you can imagine.  God is present in the moment and in every moment to come.  God’s promise is always future and always present at the same time.”

There is a new day coming if you are troubled today.  That new day comes today in the grace of a graceful God.  That new day is today, because God is Immanuel! Present to you, with you, and for you.  I hope Christ’s promise to be with you always rings in your ears today.

The Lord’s shining glory will not stay distant.  He insists on bringing it home to your heart today.  Can you see?  His promise is real! Today, always today and tomorrow at once.  See the promise of God in Christ and live it today.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado