Lent
March 8, 2016

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21

Thus says the Lord,
   who makes a way in the sea,
   a path in the mighty waters,
who brings out chariot and horse,
   army and warrior;
they lie down, they cannot rise,
   they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
Do not remember the former things,
or consider the things of old. –Isaiah 43:16-21

Forgive me, if my backward approach to this scripture seems odd. Yesterday I dealt with the last three verses on becoming a new thing and today I am dealing with the old things that we may need to let go. You see I do not think we can let the old things go when necessary, if we have not accepted the need for the new. I also do not think it is wise to toss the baby out with the bath.

My mother last attended church when we were in the heat of the music wars. She was a strong supporter of singing the new choruses that were popular but she did say to me once, “I do wish they would sing one of the old hymns now and then.”

One of the greatest challenges of our society today is melding the needs of now six generations together each in their differing stages of life and each with differing life experiences. I believe the church has a great opportunity to set the example for the rest of the world in enriching the lives of all through respecting the dignity and contributions of all even among those of markedly different ages.

Prayer: Lord, let us grow together in oneness through sharing our lives with those of all ages and stages. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.