An Open Invitation

Isaiah 65:1-9

Firstly, let me say I have not given up on writing my thoughts for the day. I've just been in places where my thoughts could not be written, literally. I just spent the last 5 days on a mountain top in Kauai with the Youth and Young Adults from our church. The cabins we were staying in had no cellphone coverage, nor did it have any internet access. It was the best 5 days ever.

Actually, I got back home yesterday, but because I was away from my wife for 4 days I decided I would remain "off-line" and spend the day with her. We had breakfast at home together, went to her father's graveside, had lunch, walked around the mall, and ended the day with a doctor's visit. We didn't do anything out of the ordinary, or what some might call "special", but it was very special to us.

As we spent the day talking, walking, and holding hands we shared in one another's spirit. It was as though we were welcomed into each other's life after a long time being apart. This is what I imagine Isaiah is saying to the people of Israel - to welcome the presence of God's love into their lives. However, as Isaiah points out, the people to whom he walks around with his hands held out in an attempt to welcome them back into the love of God only shun and scorn him.

Isaiah is trying to invite the people of Israel back into the love of God, noting that the relationships between themselves and God are growing further apart. This is something we can take a look at in our lives today. How is our relationship with God? Is it being separated by the things we clutter our lives with and the rules we make for ourselves, or is it growing closer through our personal commitment in putting aside the time to be in relationship with God?

One of the recurring themes on the trip I took with our Youth and Young Adults this past weekend focused on how it felt to be in some kind of relationship. At one point or another every one of them either said it was great to be away from their daily grind and in God's creation, or how good it was to be bonding with their friends. My guess is they also had a chance to be with their self as well, discovering a little bit more of the person they are.

These are the relationships we need to strengthen. These are the relationships Isaiah is warning God's people they are in danger of destroying. These are the relationships we are being invited to take part of and grow.