2011 Jan 11 Wednesday after First Sunday of Epiphany

.Wednesday, after the First Sunday of Epiphany

Isaiah 51:1-16, Matthew 12:15-21, Psalm 89:5-32

King James Version (public domain) Isaiah 51:4-5

⁴Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.

⁵My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

I will make my words a light for all people.

The Lord has spoken and my soul is comforted.

I remember when I was a child, our house had a dank basement with a central light turned on by a dangling cord. Walking timidly down the rickety wooden stairs into the darkness I headed towards the center, waving my arms in the air, hoping beyond hope, to find the cord quickly and pull, in order to turn on the light and remove my fear.

Dark basements resemble our lives. We step blindly forward, uncertain of our future. In a moment, things can change. An accident takes away the bread winner. Downsizing removes income and foreclosures loom. The economy, the world, the environment, the neighborhood, the country–the list is endless–offers bleak prospects.

Yet, the Lord can bring peace and prosperity, by shining the Light on our path. Peace in the midst of war. Prosperity in the midst of failure, economy downturns or job loss.

One of my favorite short stories, written by Somerset Maugham, is the Verger. The janitor, Mr. Foreman, loses his job after many years of faithful service when a new vicar demands he sign papers and the poor man confesses he cannot read or write. Devastated by the news with the recognition that no one will hire an old man looming over him, he searches for a tobacco shop and cannot find one. He and his wife open a small store front and sell tobacco. Many years pass and after more shop openings, the bank manager stops by to discuss finances and opportunities. When Foreman reveals he does not read or write, the financier replies:

“Good God man, what would you be now if you had been able to[read or write]?”

“I can tell you that sir,” said Mr. Foreman, a little smile on his still aristocratic features. “I’d be the verger of St. Peter’s, Neville Square.”

Somerset Maugham’s Short Stories Vol. 2

God puts a positive twist on our lives in the same way fortune smiled on the verger. When all seems lost, God shines a light and our pathway becomes clear. Keeping on the pathway, within God’s design, brings us to success. We lose our way when we step away from the plan God has for us. It is never too late, though, for God to show us the way back to receive the blessing. Even Job walked with God back to the place of blessing.

May you receive God’s blessing today,

For everything you do God’s way

Your words and actions will not stray

If you follow God’s lighted path alway. ~ChapLynne’s prayer

Prayer works wonders. It opens our hearts to hear God and our eyes to see where God’s light shines.

7^th day of Epiphany Jan 12 Wed: Isaiah 51:1-16, Matthew 12:15-21, Psalm 89:5-32

Thanks to MrBill, Wyscan and .Bala from flickr for their fine photos.