Isaiah 49:1-7 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 49:1-7 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 49Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me. Verse 2He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. Verse 3And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified." Verse 4But I said, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God." Verse 5And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength- Verse 6he says, "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
Verse 7Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, "Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."
Devotion
There are times that living in Minnesota can feel like being at the end of the earth, days when the winds are so strong and the temperatures so cold that too much time outside is dangerous.
Sadly, even in this climate, people are homeless and living in shelters and on our streets. While their struggle can be invisible to many of us, we may encounter some standing at highway exit ramps seeking help. Many of us don't know what to do, so we look away.
My friend Theresa has shared with me a ministry called "Love in a Glovebox." Into a gallon food bag she places socks, lip balm, hand wipes, granola bars and a small gift card. It's not much, but can help sustain a life. And honor that life. She hands them out as she can.
The ends of the earth can be right around the corner. We are called, as people of the light, to bear grace into the world. As light has shone in our lives, it is a joy when we can reflect that light for the sake of others.
Prayer
O Light of the World, give me eyes to notice the suffering and shadows around me. May I daily reflect your light into the darkness. Amen.