Isaiah 55:12-13

Isaiah 55:12-13 

English Standard Version 

  Sometimes the problem is bigger than it seems.  Having children requires one to learn to be a detective.  When children act up or act out, what they say is the problem is likely not the real problem -- they are probably upset over something else.  It's like when people come home from a long day and kick the dog -- the dog isn't the problem, but the anger is transferred.

  When we think about sin, we often individualize it and think about my sin.  Occasionally, we recognize that it's not just a me problem, but it's a we problem -- we see that sin can be systematic, can be societal.  I'm currently reading Greg Grandin's The Empire of Necessity, about the tragedy of slavery and how deeply interwoven it was in all levels of society (it's a really well-done book, heartbreaking and illuminating and many other things all at once.  Grandin focuses on a particular event and then tells the story of how all those people arrived at that place and time, presenting the dynamics of the age as the reader journeys with characters and better understands how the economy and trade and society functioned in that time as a result.  Grandin also wrote Forlandia, all about Henry Ford's attempt to build a rubber plantation in Brazil, which is also a great read.).  

  Here, Isaiah is painting a picture that moves beyond even the human levels, which is helpful for us to think about how sin has infected all of creation.  In the last days, when creation is being redeemed, nature itself will rejoice.  The thorn and brier are pictures of nature in conflict with humans, and the cypress and myrtle shall replace them, as creation moves from broken to redeemed.

  All of creation shall be redeemed, and the stain of sin shall be lifted from each part of creation that is touched by it.  We shall join with the rocks and trees as we cry out our praise to God.

Isaiah 55:10-11

Isaiah 55:10-11 

English Standard Version 

  At work, I send a lot of emails.  A lot of emails... sometimes I wonder if my job description shouldn't be 'sending emails'.  I'm sure I could improve in my efficiency or delivery, but when I send one, it's because I have a purpose for each one -- I want to share information or am requesting information.  I want something to happen when I send an email.  

  If I send emails with purpose, how much more does God send forth God's Word with purpose?  We see the ways God's Word impacts the world in the very act of creation -- it is spoken word that has creative power in the nothingness that exists before creation.  When God speaks, God does so with purpose, transforming the world or someone's life as a result.  When we think of Jesus as the Word made flesh, Jesus came to earth with a specific purpose, to accomplish the redemption of humankind, and that purpose will be accomplished, because God's purpose is not denied.

  So when we read God's word, may we always think about the purpose behind it, and what God is trying to accomplish.  How is God trying to change you?  How is God trying to change the world?  And have you considered that God's Word has claimed you and named you as God's own forever?  God's Word has accomplished that, and God's Word will not be denied.

Isaiah 55:6-9

Isaiah 55:6-9

English Standard Version 

  Spend a few hours on a busy freeway and you'll see a broad swath of human tendencies.  You'll see people graciously letting others merge into their lanes (and some people still wave thanks!), and you'll see people angrily cutting other people off, or refusing to allow someone to merge, not wanting anyone else to get ahead.  Usually behavior on the freeway is reciprocal -- what one person does to another, they'll often receive.  But let's all be honest -- when we see someone get pulled over after driving particularly aggressively, we all take some pleasure in that, right?  The sense of justice offers satisfaction.

  Here, God is telling us that God's ways are different than our own.  God is ready to abundantly pardon -- the unrighteous and wicked are invited to return to the Lord, and told to expect compassion, not punishment.  God isn't keeping score and ready to ensure things are set equal -- God is a loving parent ready to welcome wayward children back into loving arms.  

  There's a challenge here for us.  Part of this is how we look at those in the world who we consider wicked and unrighteous.  Do we see them as beloved children that God is ready and willing to abundantly pardon?  And the other part is that we need to recognize that we are wicked and unrighteous as well, that we have the same root problem as anyone else.  All have sinned and fallen short, so we need abundant pardoning as well.  None can claim God's grace on their own merit, so let us give thanks for God's ways being different than our own!!  We receive more than we can ask or imagine thanks to God's abundant generosity.

Sermon for June 6