Read Isaiah 35. Key Verse: Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you."
It is hard to choose a "key verse" in such a beautiful and powerful passage as is this short chapter of Isaiah. It is a passage of promise and hope and speaks even today to all who might have fear in their heart or in their church. It is a message to endure, to press on, and to not be discouraged about what God has, is, and will do in our midst. What seems impossible to us today, God will make real.
One of my children's favorite movies is "The Lion King," though there is a part in it where as this passage from Isaiah says is like "the haunt of jackals." That part of the movie is dark and scary; much like some days in our lives. But the overall theme of this writer's purpose is to share God's word about what God will do to get us out of that day of darkness and hopelessness. Last night a pastor called to share an "Amen" week that she is having. It goes with what Isaiah wrote, for this pastor is seeing and rejoicing in what God promises as they face and are defeating a financial challenge. My favorite quote from her was that people who had never before committed to God financially are now giving, and all are experiencing the joy of presence of God moving in their midst.
May it be so for all of the United Methodist churches throughout the world. May the General Conference be but the start of a new movement of God's Spirit in our midst.
PRAYER: Start in me, Holy One, and let me be a part of the hope and joy that is yet to come. In Jesus I pray, amen!
