One of my favorite passages in Holy Scripture is Isaiah 43. Isaiah’s writings and words are quoted often in the teachings of Jesus. As we enter Hurricane season we are accustomed to hearing news reports of one hurricane after another coming to our coastal waters with winds and waves that change our environment and threaten the lives of people. We pray for those affected and provide a safe place for those in our care. As we enter the fall season at Buckner, it is time for us to reconsider the stewardship God has placed in our hands as we seek to make life better for at-risk children, orphans, and families. During this week I would like to reflect on Isaiah 43:16-21 from The Message:
“This is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean,
who carves a path through pounding waves,
The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—
they lie down and then can't get up; they're snuffed out like so many candles:
"Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
It's bursting out! Don't you see it?
There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
Wild animals will say 'Thank you!' —the coyotes and the buzzards—
Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself,
a people custom-made to praise me.”
Isaiah is referring to the work that God did when he freed Israel from the bondage of the Egyptian Pharaoh. At the point of Israel’s history that Isaiah spoke to, people were hoping that God would part the Red Sea again and snuff out Israel’s foes. If Moses could raise his staff just one more time and if the sea would open, all would be well again. But then Isaiah says “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history.”
Is it possible that our memory could keep us from what God will do through us in the future? Does God always work in the same way from generation to generation? Must he work in the same way from year to year? Is God big enough to lead us through an uncertain season in ways we have not thought of? The people of Israel could not get past the experience of the Red Sea in order to see God work again. So Isaiah says “Forget about what’s happened…”
In recent years, even months, I have become a bit of a history buff. In fact, I am writing a dissertation with reference points back to 1845 through 1999 so I am steeped in Texas history to be exact. However, I am also very fond of the God who works today in new ways. I want to be sure my memory does not get in the way of me being alert to a sovereign God who seeks create and re-create new horizons for his Kingdom.
When was the last time you saw God work in paradigm shifting ways? Let’s not forget that parting the Red Sea was a new thing too. Are you open to how God might work in the future or do you find yourself trapped in the memory of how he worked last?
It is so good that people have the help they need.a place to stay.God is so good.when i use to drive a truck i seen Buckner ranch in south Texas wow i did,nt even know there was a Buckner international Ministry.Mr Stokeley was one of my great grandfather,s from england God has blessed me when he took me into his family.good to see you are making a Differance in this world for Christ.
Posted by: samuel wayne buckner jr | April 30, 2011 at 01:08 AM