Intersections

  Let’s be honest, I know the title of my sermon gives it away, but I’m going to try really hard not to skip ahead to verse 8 and to focus on the whole text. So let’s start at the beginning - this is one of my favorite verses, so let’s get into it.   Chapter 6 begins with God talking (through Micah) whether it’s a courtroom scene or not (scholars are divided about this). Ultimately - the fundamental relationship between God and people has been broken and God is trying to figure out what to do… how can God and the creation come back together in harmony?  God is challenging Israel in their present trouble. This isn’t a challenge where judgment is the end of the line, although it feels like it, doesn’t it? From Israel’s position, it feels to them like God has been silent all this time. But God responds with having them recall the exodus from Egypt, when the Lord redeemed them as they were slaves. The Lord provided for them with Moses and his family, and then also the mira...

               Let me start out this morning with what seems to be an obvious question - we are about two weeks from Christmas - how many of you are FILLED to the BRIM with JOY? Now, we are an authentic community, so let’s be real with one another - is there anyone here who can say they are overflowing with joy that we can come to you to be filled?   It’s hard not to have your heart be moved by our scripture today - this whole 35th chapter of Isaiah. Even the title makes our ears perk up a little bit - the Joy of the Redeemed. Well, I’d like to be redeemed, and I’ll have some of that joy too, please? I’m pretty sure that’s what we are all doing here. Starting with this scene in the desert, that this land will be GLAD, and rejoice and blossom. Why? Because the Lord is coming. The barren, the weak, the scared, the sick, all will be redeemed. They will be able to wear this joy as a crown. Verse 10, especially the end, is one that I’d lik...