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January Devotion
| Scripture:
Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive
it? Isaiah 43:18-19a
Question for reflection: How do we perceive God's new thing in the middle of our night? Hymn: WOV #776 "Be Thou My Vision" or LBW #469 "Lord of All Hopefulness" LW #365 or "Christ Be My Leader" Prayer: O Mighty Savior, You have come to give us Yourself. You alone are our new life and new hope and new beginning. Make us new in You. Amen. |
"A New Thing" by Linda Schaefer
We celebrate: New Day, New Month, New Year, New Century, New Millennium! God is doing a new thing in, with, for, through God's servants. We start the year with new hopes, new dreams and a new promise of life. Or do we? I remember as a child the first time my parents allowed me to stay up to "see the New Year in." Actually, I went to bed early and they woke me for this moment. I eagerly went to the window and then opened the front door and looked out. The street was dark and very cold. I watched and waited. Nothing happened. I don't know what I expected to see, but I could not perceive the New Year's arrival. I went back to bed. In this text from Isaiah, the prophet has just reminded the people that the One who created and formed them, redeemed and summoned them by name, will be with them. It was not that the way would be easy; but the Savior will walk it with them. Through waters and rivers, through fire and flames, the Holy One, the Savior will go with them into the new. Why? Because they were created for God's glory, formed to proclaim God's praise. God had done wonderful things for the people, led them out of slavery, given them a home, cared for their needs. But they served themselves rather than their creator. Now God promises a new thing. But before they can perceive the Savior, they must endure the exile. God is doing a new thing. It is happening even when they can not see it. No bells and balls and lights. Just God causing the new to spring up where we least expect it. The promise is for us, too. We are urged not to get stuck in the past, or drag the old into the new. We are not to miss the promise because we are looking at the same old dark of night. God has come! The old is gone! The light shines in the dark! Do we not perceive it? About the Author:
Linda Schaefer is a deaconess in Lincoln, IL, where she works with
persons who have developmental disabilities. |
