Listen

From ancient times, no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any god but you who acts on behalf of those who wait for him! You look after those who gladly do right; they will praise you for your ways. But you were angry when we sinned; you hid yourself when we did wrong.

No one calls on your name; no one bothers to hold on to you, for you have hidden yourself from us, and have handed us over to our sin.

Isaiah 64:4-5, 7

Think

As a child, I always hated taking medicine. It tasted funny to me, and the strange flavors lingered on my tongue for hours. Despite my reluctance, I took my medicine, with my mother watching of course. We both knew that it would help me get well. Sometimes difficult things are a part of healing.

In this passage Isaiah participates in the difficult work of confession. He confesses to God the sins of his people, and how this sin has caused him to feel distant from God. Confession brings us to God and prepares our hearts for healing with God and others.

Confession is good for us. It’s like that icky medicine I took as a child. It doesn’t go down easy all the time, but it is necessary for healing. What might you confess to God today that will open your heart towards healing?

Emmitt Drumgoole

Pray

Lord, here I am. All of me. Cleanse me of my sins and make me new. Amen.

Go

It is Advent. The Lord is coming.

Go! Make ready for the Lord!