But
those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings
like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Alone, weak, tired, forlorn, desolate ... when God seems far away. The
people in Exile felt desolate, far from home, questioning their God. Prophet Second Isaiah
brings God’s word of comfort, encouragement, promise and hope to those long ago, and
to us in our days of longing and despair. "Comfort, O comfort my people, says your
God."
One wintry day, I saw an eagle, high on a limb of a tree, head bowed
against the cold wind, stark against the gray sky. Waiting, I thought.
Sometimes I feel out on a limb, cold, alone, wondering why God seems
far away. Friends wait in hospital rooms, rehab centers, at home ... waiting for
God’s healing strength. Others are weary from job search, battered by rejection ...
waiting for purpose and direction. Some have lost loved ones, worry about children, or
toss and turn at night ... waiting for a word of hope. Many long for justice, peace, home
or food … waiting for change, waiting for a word from the Lord.
Isaiah proclaims promise. God, who seemed far away, hidden, is coming
with the breath of new life to reveal love in new ways. We hear echoes of God’s words
to Job and the announcement by John the Baptist. We look to Jesus, who has been out on the
limb of the Cross with us and for us.
That eagle on that winter day. Suddenly he spread his wings to catch an
unseen breeze and was lifted up into the sky. Wafting over, he soared aloft with strength,
hope, purpose from beyond. I wait too, hearing the promise and knowing God is near.
Gracious and loving God, I wait for a sense of your presence.
Renew my strength, forgive my failures, and restore in me, our world, the joy of your
salvation, through Jesus Christ.
