Read: Isaiah 55:1-5
For the past year, I have been volunteering with a nonprofit, serving Prince George's County with food, clothing and accessories, personal hygiene, baby diapers, toys, books, and small kitchen and household items. As community members shop for what they want among the displayed items, I see firsthand some needs of the community, the importance of sharing, and the blessings associated with helping one another.
The scripture reading for today highlights a different kind of community giveaway. Through the prophet Isaiah God has invited the public - all of us- to come to his offering of water to quench our spiritual thirst. Isaiah hinted that money should be spent on bread, which is good and rich food that is sustenance for the body and spirit. He also hinted that labor should be on that which satisfies, that is, used to serve God and God's creation. Accepting this invitation leads to delight in the richness of God, joining the everlasting covenant, and sharing the gospel.
During this Lenten season, as we reflect on the life and work of Jesus Christ as he prepared for the work on the cross, we can hear the echoes of Isaiah's words. We saw Jesus humbly serving the poor, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and diseased. We saw Jesus feasting with the rich, conversing with the religious leaders, socializing with members of his community, and attending community events. He invited all to come to his offering of physical and spiritual food. He showed the importance of living in a community and laboring in work that satisfies. He served God, by serving the community.
Today we who are called to be God's hands and feet must follow the instructions of the prophet Isaiah and the examples of Jesus Christ. We are called to spend on food that is good and rich to nourish the body, soul, and spirit. We are called to serve God and join in his everlasting covenant of love and to live as Jesus lived.
Dear God as we journey through this Lenten season, I ask that you open our ears to your voice calling and the voices of those calling for help. I pray that you will strengthen us to serve you by serving those in our community who are desperate, hurting, and feeling lost. May your love flow through us to bring love, peace, and hope in this broken world. I pray in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.
Pamella Miller
For the past year, I have been volunteering with a nonprofit, serving Prince George's County with food, clothing and accessories, personal hygiene, baby diapers, toys, books, and small kitchen and household items. As community members shop for what they want among the displayed items, I see firsthand some needs of the community, the importance of sharing, and the blessings associated with helping one another.
The scripture reading for today highlights a different kind of community giveaway. Through the prophet Isaiah God has invited the public - all of us- to come to his offering of water to quench our spiritual thirst. Isaiah hinted that money should be spent on bread, which is good and rich food that is sustenance for the body and spirit. He also hinted that labor should be on that which satisfies, that is, used to serve God and God's creation. Accepting this invitation leads to delight in the richness of God, joining the everlasting covenant, and sharing the gospel.
During this Lenten season, as we reflect on the life and work of Jesus Christ as he prepared for the work on the cross, we can hear the echoes of Isaiah's words. We saw Jesus humbly serving the poor, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick and diseased. We saw Jesus feasting with the rich, conversing with the religious leaders, socializing with members of his community, and attending community events. He invited all to come to his offering of physical and spiritual food. He showed the importance of living in a community and laboring in work that satisfies. He served God, by serving the community.
Today we who are called to be God's hands and feet must follow the instructions of the prophet Isaiah and the examples of Jesus Christ. We are called to spend on food that is good and rich to nourish the body, soul, and spirit. We are called to serve God and join in his everlasting covenant of love and to live as Jesus lived.
Dear God as we journey through this Lenten season, I ask that you open our ears to your voice calling and the voices of those calling for help. I pray that you will strengthen us to serve you by serving those in our community who are desperate, hurting, and feeling lost. May your love flow through us to bring love, peace, and hope in this broken world. I pray in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.
Pamella Miller