A Sip of Scripture
Daily Scripture:
HOPE
Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Isaiah 2:3 (New International Version, ©2010)
3 Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem
a simple desireShort commentary on “A Sip of Scripture” from Third Way Cafe
The Flagstones of the Lord
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“Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.“ ( Isaiah 2:3 )
From my youth on I have been fascinated by wandering paths and trails. Perhaps that is one of the reasons I enjoy pondering; it is like your mind is following a meandering path without having to leave the comfort of your own chair. So when I think about following the Lord’s path I like to envision it as a path that leads to a certain future with our God. But unlike trails through the woods or meadows that allow you to pick your own path or one’s own musings where you are free to roam as you will, the Lord’s path is set, well marked and defined. But a path that many times humanity needs to be taught.
If I were to describe the Lord’s path, I would describe it as being made of large flagstones solidly placed in the ground.
Once you see it, and recognize it for what it is, the path is easy to follow – if one is inclined to follow it. And that is the sticking point. While humanity may very well see God’s path, we/they may not be include to follow it.
May you gentle reader be inclined to learn the ways and paths of God, and to follow it. Selah!
Written by Carole
December 10, 2010 at 12:58 am
Posted in commentary
.A Strong Frame
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“The LORD will guide you always; God will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.” ( Isaiah 58:11 )
While I may not look my age, I can still tell by the aches and pains I have that my age is catching up to me. It would be great to have a “stronger frame.” Many of the commentaries I looked over, albeit briefly, confirm the idea of a “strengthened” frame as meaning strong bones and vitality. But I like to think that the writer of Isaiah was also suggesting an inner strength. It seems to me that the guidance of the Lord does not refer merely to the physical but the emotional and the spiritual. And if we see this verse in the context of shalom, then it is strength of character and resolve which pertains to issues of peace. Physical strength, or that lack of it, does not have any bearing on whether a person is peaceful or not.
A person who is physically strong, it is said, does not have to prove him/herself through aggression. But it is not always that way. A person who is physically weak, it is said, will use words, negotiation, and mediation to achieve their goals peacefully. But it is not always that way. A person who is strong, it is said, will use brute force to make their way in the world. But that is not always so. A person who feels physically weaker and therefore inferior, it is said, will try to prove themselves through demanding physical acts. But even that is not always so. Weak or strong, people may or may not be people of peace. A “strengthened” physical frame will not change a person’s perspective on peace. But a strengthened resolve for peace and shalom will see anyone through the “sun-scorched land” of aggression, hatred, and violence.
May you gentle reader be firm and strengthened in your convictions for peace, and may you have the guidance of our Lord always. Selah!
Written by Carole
December 9, 2010 at 2:19 am
Posted in commentary
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