Several months back, our church celebrated 150 years of ministry in Corpus Christi. It was a wonderful celebration. We filled the week with activities. Some helped us demonstrate our faith in God. Others allowed us to thank our community. The final Sunday of our week-long celebration was joyous and reassuring.
We had the chance to acknowledge a historic past. Even on that special day of celebration and looking back, there came another special moment. It was when we began to look forward. God’s Spirit inclines us in that direction. The movement toward a new creation is forward. But we still need to accept the choice to follow where Spirit leads.
There’s a moment when we recognize all that God has done for us. We witness to God’s power and provision and celebrate the goodness of God. Now, of course, I’m not just talking about a church celebrating a significant milestone. Nor am I only thinking of a congregation’s choice. All of us have these moments when it’s time to, as the saying goes, get back to it.
In Isaiah’s vision of God’s new heavens and new earth, the people will work. Only, they will not labor in vain. They will “enjoy the work of their hands.” For Israel, this was the promise of their redemption. Their suffering would be over. God would rejoice in the people. And they would be able to rejoice again, too.
There are profound moments we experience the grace of God. Maybe it’s a mountain-top experience. It could be a brief quiet moment of worship where an assurance of peace covers your heart. For Israel, it was the promise God gave them. Whatever it is for us, there is a time to get up and get back to it.
When you do, though, something’s changed. You. Even if only in a minute way, you know something more about God’s grace. And that changes everything.
So, with God’s blessing and the assurance of God’s love, get back to it.
Stay blessed…john
