FEAR NOT, I WILL HELP YOU

⏰Thursday of the Second Week of Advent (12 December 2019)

📖Isa 41:13-20; Ps 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab (R.v.8); Matt 11:11-15

“FEAR NOT, I WILL HELP YOU” (Isa 41:13)

Think of the shame and trauma the Israelites had while they were being led to exile. They suffered humiliation and were helpless in the face of opposition. To worsen the case, they were helplessly turned to slaves in exile.

This was the same nation that had been empowered by God to conquer all the nations that stood on their way to the Promised Land. But by now, their self confidence and esteem have been punctured.

So Isaiah needed to restore their confidence once more. This restoration would come from an understanding that God never changes. The same God who helped Israel of old to fight their battle is still very much there to help them. All that is required of them is the acquisition of radical faith in God.

This radical faith means knowing that God is all we have, believing in it and living it out. That is how we understand the violence Jesus refers to in the Gospel (Matt 11:12). The violence is our faith. So, when the enemy suggests to you that there can be other ways of getting out of your problems outside of God, tell the enemy that you serve a living God who changes not.

May such a living faith in God lead you to a better and happy life. May it bring joy and contentment into every aspect of your life. Amen.

Have a joyful day ahead. Peace be with you.