Listen

The Lord, Israel’s king and redeemer, the Lord of heavenly forces, says: I am the first, and I am the last, and besides me there are no gods. Who is like me? Let them speak up, explain it, and lay it out for me. Who announced long ago what is to be? Let them tell us what is to come. Don’t tremble; have no fear! Didn’t I proclaim it? Didn’t I inform you long ago? You are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no other rock; I know of none.

Isaiah 44:6-8

Think

Isaiah, like many of us, is a person of faith living in a tough world. His work is an uphill struggle, as he insists on speaking of God in the midst of people who believe in other gods. It is a time of disorientation, loss of identity, and the temptation to idolatry. It is there that God speaks to Isaiah, saying, “I am the first and the last; apart from me there is no other god.”

We know how it feels to live in a giant world where our beliefs seem insignificant. The virtual world is dominated by interests that contradict what we believe. Like the prophet Isaiah, we live surrounded by great influences, yet we want the world to know God’s love. The mission remains the same as it was then. We can influence the world with hope. God is first and last; God is everywhere. God is sovereign, and all our lives and the world belong to God. Listen to God’s voice that tells you: Courage, do not be afraid!

Richard Rojas Banuchi

Question to Ponder:

Why do I feel vulnerable when I talk about God?

Pray

God, show me ways in which I can bless others with a message of hope and faith. Put words in my mouth and use my life as an example to bring healing and peace. Amen.

Go

Recognizing that God has been present helps us live grateful lives.