Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-9 (NRSV)
What does it take to “awaken” me? I need to be awakened not just in the morning, but periodically throughout my day. I need “God moments”: a sunrise, a new blanket of snow, a dark night sky or a large, orange moon.
Several weekends ago, I had the privilege to interpret for a large group of elementary students. As the weekend wore on, I experienced a “God moment.” At one point in the concert, a group of the students’ fathers came up on stage to sing with them. It was a true awakening, the mix of young children’s voices with the more mature voices of the fathers was very powerful. “In the rifted rock I’m resting, safely sheltered I abide, there no foes nor storms molest me while within the cleft I hide.”
I am amazed how easily distracted I can become and completely miss the signs around me of our King’s return. But, when our attention is drawn to a “God moment,” everything is brought into perspective.
Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-9 (NRSV)
The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. 5The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward. 6I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting. 7The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; 8he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. 9It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty? All of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.