Daily Devotion - January 12, 2019

Isaiah 43:5-7

Do not fear, for I am with you;    I will bring your offspring from the east,    and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, ‘Give them up’,    and to the south, ‘Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away    and my daughters from the end of the earth— everyone who is called by my name,    whom I created for my glory,    whom I formed and made.’

Reflection by Duke Yaguchi

In this scripture, "you" is defined as everyone from all directions. It is a scripture of inclusion. One of the central points of the Bible is "Do not fear, for I am with you." Jesus didn't come to walk among us to condemn us or send us into the fires of hell. He came to comfort, protect and love us. It's not because we deserve it or earn it. It is simply freely given. For that I am thankful.

Prayer

Dear God. I thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to be with us.  Thanks be to God. Amen.