Monday, January 24, 2011

Stubbornness and Desertion

Isaiah 48:1-11
Galatians 1:1-17
How tiring it must be for God to deal with such fickle people! Our readings this morning from Isaiah and Galatians both express frustration at the unwillingness of God’s people to remain steadfast in the faith. “…I know that your are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew and your forehead brass,” God says through the prophet (Isaiah 48:4). “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel…” says Paul (Galatians 1:6). I wonder how many of us would consider it worthwhile to continue caring for such people. But wait a minute—we are those people!

And that is the good news in these verses. God could have turned away and left humanity to its own devices and desires. Instead God remains steadfast in grace and mercy, sending prophets, apostles, and God’s own Son in search of reconciliation. Even now, even this very day, you and I will fall short of what God intends for us. But all the while God is at work in the world, leading us toward the coming reign, drawing out what is best in us and, if we are attentive we will catch glimpses of grace in the everyday events of our lives.

Yes, God could walk away in frustration, but that is not in God’s nature. God cares too much to give us up, even to ourselves. Instead God keeps the lines of communication open and remains active in the world. How will we respond to such grace today?

Prayer: Lord, we fail you in so many ways, yet you have continued to love and care for us. For this we thank you and praise your holy name. Amen.

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