There's no fixed theme for the next while... Each day I'll be sharing something that has spoken to my heart...
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This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.
16 You said, `No, we will flee on horses.' Therefore you will flee!
You said, `We will ride off on swift horses.'
Therefore your pursuers will be swift!
17 A thousand will flee at the threat of one;
at the threat of five you will all flee away,
till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill."
18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion
For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. 20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah30:15-21
Do you remember the "Karate Kid" movie series?
It was all about a young teen named Daniel who was always getting into scrapes and disasters and then Mr Meaggi who teaches him karate, but also is his life-coach and mentor, bails him out.
Karate Kid Daniel always reminds me of Israel in the first part of this passage: They're planning to make a deal with Egypt to protect them from the Assyrians but Isaiah is calling them to put their trust in God. They're coming up with their own schemes and plans, but Isaiah warns them that everything will blow up in their faces.
That's how it happens in all the Karate Kid movies... Daniel tries this, that and the next thing - everything except asking Mr Meaggi's advice - and it blows up in his face.
But Mr Meaggi remains faithful and devoted to Daniel, even when Daniel hurts him and shuns him. Mr Meaggi gives Daniel the space he needs and when Daniel gets to the end of his tether then Mr Meaggi steps in to counsel and guide.
I think the dynamic of Daniel and Mr Meaggi is a good illustration of something bigger, deeper and even more wonderful: The coming of the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete (The ONE called to be beside us)
When Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit as Counsellor, Comforter, Guide and Helper it fulfilled the promise articulated in our reading: "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"
I hope I can be less like Daniel today and be quick to listen to the prompting of the Spirit who loves me and longs to show me compassion.
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
