He does not grow tired or weary. His understanding is beyond human reach… (Isaiah 40:28)
A Thought
Isaiah finishes his wonderful chapter that begins “Comfort, comfort my people! says your God” with another poetic blessing. This whole section of Isaiah is a hymn of glory to God, the Holy One who has created all things and brings everything that is into being. This is the glorious God who also cares for us.
Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not grow tired or weary. His understanding is beyond human reach… (Isaiah 40:28) And because God is strong and wise, we receive strength and wisdom from God. Isaiah continues to extol this inexhaustible God who is giving power to the tired and reviving the exhausted. Youths will become tired and weary, young men will certainly stumble; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary. (vs. 29-31)
What a compelling image. When the pressure is on; when we are weary and worn out; when there is more than we can handle; when we don’t know what to do… Isaiah says “Wait.” Breathe deeply. Be conscious and mindful. Wait for God.
See in your minds eye the next movement, an eagle beginning to mount the skies. With slow and deliberate movement, a perching eagle will spread her wings, feeling for the power of the wind. And then, gently, like sliding into water, the great bird will trust itself to the sky, throwing its arms out in a wide embrace. It catches the power of the wind and goes soaring, adjusting with modest effort as it picks up the drafts. In a similar way we can run and not be weary; walk and not be faint.
A Prayer
O God,
you spoke your word
and revealed your good news in Jesus, the Christ.
Fill all creation with that word again,
so that by proclaiming your joyful promises to all nations
and singing of your glorious hope to all peoples,
we may become one living body,
your incarnate presence on the earth. Amen.
Music
St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir – I Was Glad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YstlGy1Ld0