Called to transformative action
by Colleen Fitzpatrick
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Woe to those who … do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord (Isaiah 31:1).
Here is another affirmation of God’s power. Things weren’t going well for God’s people, who were looking for help from the Egyptians. There is some strong language here with references to ‘the wicked nation’ and ‘evildoers’.
I wonder how that compares with where we are today. Are we a wicked nation full of evildoers?
We are exhorted in Philippians 4:8: ‘Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things’. That is getting more and more difficult as moral standards seem to be sliding to an all-time low. Violence, abuse and harassment are rife from the highest to the lowest levels in our society. The rich are getting richer, and the poor are struggling to put food on their table, let alone have a roof over their head.
Add to that the threat of war and rumours of wars, and the constant news about natural disasters, floods and the threat of bushfires.
Today’s reading again raises the question for me, ‘Where is the hope?’.
And the response is once again clear. ‘The Lord of hosts will protect Jerusalem; He will protect and deliver it, he will spare and rescue it’ (verse five).
In these final days before Christmas, let’s take the time to pause and reflect on what we need to cast aside – what idols are standing in the way of our life with Christ? Remember that yesterday, we read that redemption brings transformation.
Maybe as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we can allow God’s love to flow into our lives more fully to transform us and open our hearts to find new ways to serve God and each other. We can rest secure in the knowledge that God is on our watch, looking out for us and making sure we are okay.
Forgiving God, help us always be mindful of your loving presence and not be distracted from our calling to be your children. Fill us with the confidence that your love is always there for us, no matter what challenges we face. Help us find delight in your world and the people around us. 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.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
