In our Gospel reading today from Luke 7, Jesus speaks of the role and importance of John the Baptist. “Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom Scripture says: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare the way before you. I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.”
In our first reading today from Isaiah 54, we find some of the most beautiful and affirming language in all of Scripture. “For he who has become your husband is your Maker; his name is the Lord of hosts; your redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, called God of all the earth. The Lord calls you back..” And this from Isaiah 54:10 – “Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken, my love shall never leave you nor my covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord, who has mercy on you.”
I think we’ve all been to a place where we feel far from God. There may have even been times where you thought God didn’t love you. I can assure you that that is not the case. Not ever. There is nothing you could ever do, no sin too great, that would cause God not to love you. You are the apple of his eye, his precious, precious child. Never doubt that, my friend. Own it. Rejoice in it. To paraphrase an old Beatles’ tune, He loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah!! Always has, always will.
Father, we thank you for your unending love for us. Forgive us for the times we doubt, and wrap us in your loving arms. Amen.
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