I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King. Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:15-19

We hear the word of good news that God will do a new thing. It springs forth and God will make a way even in the wilderness and even in central New Jersey! In the Easter season, especially, we hear the promise that God does make things new and that God is about resurrection life. Our perception of that newness that God brings is sometimes a different story.

God does a new thing, but there are death rattles and growing pains along the way. A new move into a different community still means goodbye to the old. A new baby means goodbye to sleep. A new job may mean relief from unemployment, but also new co-workers and stresses. A new ministry in congregational life or in service in the community sometimes means that former ones have died. God’s newness can be painful for us—it often means that a death of something beloved has taken place.

And yet, there is deep and abiding hope in God’s newness that even in the wilderness, God will find a way. Even in the dryness of a desert, of a changing church, and of the ending of some ministries, God brings forth rivers of life and new possibilities.

Grant us wisdom, O Holy One. Help us to let go of what has ended and inspire us for what you make new. Amen.

Contributed by Pastor Becky
Monday April 30, 2012
Liturgical Year B: Week 23
Liturgical Color: White
Sunday Gospel reading:
Fourth Sunday of easter