Isaiah 63:17

S Why, O Lord, do you make us wander from your ways and harden our hearts so we do not revere you?
Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes that are your inheritance.

O Isaiah has been writing allot of “what the Lord says.” Much of it has felt dire, or even condescending, just as a parent to a child (as we may be).

Just before this verse, Isaiah helps us remember what has been done for our fathers. The mercy of the Lord. He also lets us know that the Lord has compassion for us. If all else fails, he is still there as our Father.

Here we get this most compassionate question, “Why do we wander?” God knows how we feel. He knows we have asked this question, over many ages. God why am I made this way, that I do wrong? You made me.

He knows that sometimes we blame him. He is tender and compassionate. The questions also holds an answer. Why would He let us wander? He is tender and compassionate. He loves us to make our own choices. To choose him.

A This passage means to me that God is truly compassionate and understands me. Sometimes as I read God speaks as a parent, telling me what is right, what I should be doing.

As a stubborn child I feel my heart rebel. God feels distant like he does not understand my point of view. The verse cries out like a splash of cold water. Yes Lord, I do feel that way.

Oh Lord, you DO know how I feel. He knows me, He is compassionate. There are things he want me to know and do, as any parent tells their child. Those are compassion too (otherwise He would remain silent and not care), but sometimes makes me feel distant.

Here he shows me: “Yep I know how you think. Trust me.”

P O Father, forgive a stubborn child. You know who I am, why I am. Father, help me break through, soften my heart, undo the hardening that I bring upon myself, that makes me rebellious and desire sin.

Father, thank you for repeatedly showing me your compassion and for having patience with me. Blessed are your ways.

Amen.

1. This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 31st, 2007 at 12:00 am and is filed under Journal Entry, Michael Calabrese. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.