November 29th - Reflection

Micah 4:6-13 (NRSV)
A promise of restoration after exile
In that day, says the Lord,
I will assemble the lame
and gather those who have been driven away,
and those whom I have afflicted.
The lame I will make the remnant,
and those who were cast off, a strong nation;
and the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion
now and forevermore.

And you, O tower of the flock,
hill of daughter Zion,
to you it shall come,
the former dominion shall come,
the sovereignty of daughter Jerusalem.
Now why do you cry aloud? Is there no king in you? Has your counselor perished, that pangs have seized you like a woman in labor?
Writhe and groan, O daughter Zion, like a woman in labor; for now you shall go forth from the city and camp in the open country; you shall go to Babylon. There you shall be rescued, there the Lord will redeem you from the hands of your enemies.
Now many nations are assembled against you, saying, "Let her be profaned, and let our eyes gaze upon Zion."
But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them as sheaves to the threshing floor.
Arise and thresh, O daughter Zion, for I will make your horn iron and your hoofs bronze; you shall beat in pieces many peoples, and shall devote their gain to the Lord, their wealth to the Lord of the whole earth.

Reflection
People driven from the land they love to another land. All because of their stubborn separation from God. Only a few will be left and of those, they will be lame. But God has a plan of suffering, exile and then restoration.

When I have stepped away from God this was a choice I have made. God didn't want me to step away. God always wanted me with him. In my stepping away I feel the suffering and exile of my separation from God. I did this to myself. God did not do this to me. In my pride I was too proud to come back to God. It reminds me of the prodigal son. But God is always ready for me to return from a foreign land with open, loving, and so inviting arms of love and joy. And then come that wonderful party of restoration. God the Father is so happy for my return from exile. Once again we are united in the love the Father always had for me. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I long for a steadfast and faithful walk with you. When I wander may I never stray away... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen