Advent

December 10, 2019

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10

 Strengthen the weak hands,
   and make firm the feeble knees.
 Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
   ‘Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God.
   He will come with vengeance,
with terrible recompense.
   He will come and save you.’ –Isaiah 35:3-4

I have quoted this scripture as my favorite prayer from the Bible, somewhat jokingly, but also with more than a thread of truth because I have had osteoarthritis since I was 24, contributing to both weak hands and feeble knees. So, I keep a hand grip exercise tool by my chair and try to remember to use it regularly. My knees, however, have been strengthened by those God gifted with the skills of science as my knees are now as strong as steel, or titanium really, having both been replaced.

Regarding my hands, opening plastice water bottles is one of my greatest challenges. Most of the time I can get them opened but I also have discovered that male friends and men I have never met, graciously open those pesky lids that even they at times have to give a little more effort to undo. That experience has taught me that God has gifted each person with diverse talents and skills and working together is necessary in the Kingdom of God. I do not like the image of God as a god of vengeance but God is the God of strength that can be depended on to clear the way for love to rule.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for providing ways for all to succeed in answering your call to love even those of us with weak hands or feeble knees or fearful hearts. 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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.