For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 NRSV
When we first moved to New England nearly forty years ago, Janice and I spent almost every weekend exploring the area. One of those trips took us to Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire and our first glimpse of the Old Man of the Mountain. On May 3, 2003, people nearby heard something they thought was thunder. The fragile profile that turnbuckles and rods had held together successfully for many years finally gave way.
Whether you’re on the East Coast, the West Coast, or the vast country in between, we’ve grown accustomed to the changes in our landscape. Sometimes, the changes are sudden, like the Old Man; others are much slower, like the carving of the Grand Canyon; and sometimes, they are of man’s doing, like the strip mining in West Virginia.
While natural things come and go, there is one spiritual constant–God’s love and compassion for us. From the dawn of time through time eternal, there has been and will never be a change in his caring. Sure, he is disappointed at times, and at times, we’ve made him angry, but his love is that of a parent. Though, at times, we have tested him to the breaking point–remember the Tower of Babel, the flood, and God’s wanting to wipe out all of Israel except Moses? And though our sinning sent Jesus to the cross, he prayed for us, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). He died for our sins so that we might have the promise of life.
Father, thank you for your steadfast love. We confess, at times, we have knowingly and unknowingly tried your patience. We come before you earnestly, repently asking forgiveness. Though guilty of sin and with no way for us to repay, you sent your Son to pay that debt for us, atoning for our sin. Through Jesus’ pure and blameless example, we know how we should live, and by the gift of the Holy Spirit, we have a helper and continual proof of your love. Father, as we go throughout this day, help us to remember your love that never departs and the covenant we’ve made with you. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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