With redemption comes transformation
by Colleen Fitzpatrick
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When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy (Isaiah 29:23a).
I have really struggled with this text, trying to understand what is happening here. The words used depict a situation that is not pleasing to God. Even the way the people worship God is not acceptable – it is only based on human rules, and the hearts of the people have strayed from God.
Some of you may remember the ‘worship wars’ that prevailed within our church as new songs replaced old hymns and new forms of liturgy were developed. And the next thing we knew, sermons were no longer delivered from the pulpit (my pastor even walks around when he preaches), and some pastors stopped wearing those dress things we were familiar with. Then, of course, we had the pandemic, and online worship was the order of the day, opening up new vistas for mission and ministry within our communities.
We have developed new rules to suit new times. Our prayer must be that our worship is acceptable and pleasing to God.
The exciting part of today’s reading is not about how far we have drifted from God – evidenced in so many of the challenges that exist in society today – but rather, the promise, the hope, that with redemption comes transformation.
I long for the time when we see our children keeping God’s name holy and standing in awe of our God, not to mention gaining understanding as they seek instruction. May we as Christians be winsome and welcoming, so that we see more people finding redemption and being transformed by God’s saving grace. And may we continue to find new ways of sharing Christ’s love within our community.
Transforming God, help us to be good ambassadors for you. You came to us as a child of lowly parents. Open our hearts to see beyond the outside trappings of worship and our church life and find new ways to share your love. Grant us generous spirits so we can celebrate differences and rejoice in changes and inclusiveness. Amen.
Colleen Fitzpatrick trained as a social worker and worked in foster care and adoptions. She was the director of Lutheran Community Care in South Australia. Colleen is now retired but is a member of several committees and boards within the LCA and the community. She has a husband, John, two daughters and three granddaughters. Colleen lives in Adelaide, South Australia.
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