I’m told of a convenience store chain in parts of the Midwest that goes by the name “Kum and Go”. Clever in that this seems to be the very nature of that business. You come, get what you need – be that gasoline, food, a restroom break – and then you go on your way. Come and go. Get it?
This is a phrase I have used over the years when it comes to preaching and teaching about discipleship – “the come and go of discipleship”. By this I mean that in becoming a disciple of Jesus we respond to his invitation to “come”.
- Come and follow.
- Come and see.
- Come and believe.
- Come to me all who are weary and burdened.
Over and over again Jesus invites us to come. As we respond to his call to discipleship, we enter into a life of learning to be with Jesus so that we can become more like Jesus. Continue reading
As I have studied Isaiah 35 once again this year in preparation for Advent worship, it has come to me that water is at the very center of this vision Isaiah of the Exile offers from God to God’s people. Sure, there are a lot of other pieces to this vision: a desert in bloom, the mighty forests of Lebanon and Carmel, pastures of Sharon; not to mention people being healed or restored to wholeness and a mighty and holy highway being built. But right there in the middle of it all (v.7) is the very wet and wonderful reference to water: The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs . . . even grasslands turn into wetlands. Water, water, water – water everywhere! It’s water that makes it possible for the desert to bloom, the forests to grow and pastures to flourish. Our bodies, when they are whole and functioning at their prime are over 60% water. Highways could not be built without water. Water seems to be the very central image to all of Isaiah 35. That was new to me this time around.
There is a phrase I often think of this time of the year. It’s associated with my dad in my thinking. “What do you want for Christmas, daddy?” was our childhood question. To which he almost always replied, “Peace in the valley.”
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