We’re back in Isaiah for our first reading today. The final verse in today’s reading is Isaiah 40:31. I’ll talk about it in a moment. Our Gospel passage today is a short one, from Matthew 11. Jesus tells the people, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” A great reminder for us that when the troubles of the world are bearing down on us, we can truly find rest in Jesus.
“They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.” Every time I read this, the song On Eagles’ Wings gets into my head. Not a bad ear worm, really! I know so many people for whom this verse has been a life saver. We hear in the Scriptures often of the need for persistence. And this verse really gives us a sense of that. But it also conveys the truth of where that persistence comes from. Hint: it doesn’t come from us.
“They that hope in the Lord…” This speaks to us about the importance of hope. When we lose hope, we fall into despair. It also speaks of the need to place our hope properly. We cannot put our hope in persons, governments, relationships, money or anything else. Our hope must be in the Lord. And when it is, the results will be astounding!
Father, help us to always put our hope in You alone. Renew and strengthen us today through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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