When taking Kayla to preschool in California, we would usually have to dance around the snails, slugs and worms moving around the sidewalks around the church. The snails were the most intriguing, the slugs and worms it would be a toss-up as to which she tried most to steer clear from. We would from time to time stoop down and look closely. Then the time came where we would pick one of them up to take a closer look, you know trying to understand. Yes, even the worms. There is nothing appealing about worms. As I read from Isaiah 41, I was reminded of this experience. The prophet writes;
For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
Though you are a lowly worm, O Jacob, don’t be afraid, people of Israel, for I will help you. Isaiah 41:13-14
Sometime life results in this lowly, isolated feeling. The prophet initially identifies the accompanying feelings of fear and helplessness. Then Isaiah points to the incarnation—God becoming human–resulting in a living, a strong, constant affirming hope. “I the Lord your God say to you, Don’t be afraid I am here to help you.” As we wait for the coming of Jesus our Savior, we wait in hope, remembering the promises of God that we are chosen by God, loved by God and NEVER abandoned! The rest of the prophets words describe a God who not only lifts the fear and shame, God restores his cherished creation to the glory intended. He is a good, good Father, and we wait with eager expectation for our coming Savior, his Son Jesus.
