Holy and Awesome--Dec. 28, 2010

Holy and awesome God,
It is not your will that one of these little ones
should be lost; but in our eyes, many are lost.
Is our vision so limited compared to yours?

We read that you abandoned us for a brief moment,
but to us it seems a very long time.
Is our time frame so different from yours?

We see ourselves as bereaved and barren,
exiled and put away; but you see us as redeemed.
Is our understanding so deficient?

Help us accept your redemption,
keep your covenant,
and open ourselves to your great compassion.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 2, 146, 110, 111
Isa. 49:13-23
Isa. 54:1-13
Matt. 18:1-14

Selected Verses
Ps. 111:9
He sent redemption to his people;
      he has commanded his covenant forever.
      Holy and awesome is his name.

Isa. 49:21
Then you will say in your heart,
      “Who has borne me these?
I was bereaved and barren,
      exiled and put away—
      so who has reared these?
I was left all alone—
      where then have these come from?”

Isa. 54:7-8
For a brief moment I abandoned you,
      but with great compassion I will gather you.
In overflowing wrath for a moment
      I hid my face from you,
but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,
      says the LORD, your Redeemer.

Matt. 18:14
“…So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.” [Jesus to his disciples]