Wednesday 09 December 2009

Background

The first verses of this passage from Isaiah 40 continue with abeautiful set of images of God creative, strong and everlasting.Then we come to these three verses which include a reference toPsalm 103:5 - "...who satisfies you with good as long as you liveso that your youth is renewed like the eagle's".

Verses 30 and 31 are well known; they are often quoted and indeedcelebrated. However, verse 29 is mentioned far less often. I wonderwhy that is?

My suspicion is we are uncomfortable with these ideas. What does itmean for society if the powerless are strengthened? Does it mean astronger negotiating position? Are we worried that the powerlesswill become strong through violence? What will these 'faint' peopledo with power? Can they be trusted?

I think one answer comes from looking at God. How does God use thestrength and power that we see in the first few verses? I believethat when God gives power to the faint and strength to thepowerless then it will be power as God is power and strength as Godis strong. That means that the power God gives to the faint will bepower to help the faint, that the strengthened powerless will beable to strengthen the powerless.

However, the world does not look for this kind of power andstrength. Is it any wonder then that we so often claim that God isnot active in power and strength? Or we are just looking at thewrong people?

I wonder if you have ever experienced something like the closingtwo verses with the wonderful image of those who wait for the Lordbeing renewed, being like eagles, running and walking withoutgetting weary or faint. If not then maybe we should try waiting forGod more, and while doing so, looking for and expecting strengthand power not as the world is - but as God is.

To Ponder

What experiences of transfers of power andstrength to the weak and powerless have you had or witnessed?

In whom do you see the strength and power ofGod?

Think about what it might mean for you to waitfor the Lord. How would you recognise the strength and power of Godas you did so?