December 28 | Isaiah 60:1-6

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DAILY READING

Isaiah 60: 1-6

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REFLECTION

The Peace of Promises

By Michael Guastella

From the very first words of this passage, we are gifted with a poignant promise of delight and bliss that God will deliver to us. The NIV titles this passage "The Glory of Zion", the ESV titles it "The Future Glory of Israel”, and as we quickly find out: it’s all about hope.

Not just hope in the future – but also what hope for the future can do to our perspectives in the present.  We’re not given a call to self-promotion but an invitation to reflect the Glory of God that shines within us today! It’s as much of a challenge to the reader; as if to say “God is here, right here with you! Are you looking for Him? Did you see Him today?”

It’s a beautiful reminder that God exists in every crevice of our days – we just have to look for Him.  Every traffic jam can become a car accident that God spared us from.  Every time a piece of clothing is out of sale can become money that we didn't know we needed until something happens.  Every occurrence that we experience is an opportunity to seek out God’s promises to us.

Finding God in every day takes an intense intentional desire to live our faith.  Yes, sometimes, it’s just life that happens.  But as Christians, we’re challenged to always have trust in God’s timing and His promises, and this passage in Isaiah is a sneak peek into the Glory that those promises will bring. 

Just as Jerusalem, once in darkness, was destined to become a beacon of light, so too are we called to be lights in the world. Our faith, our compassion, our love – these are the lights that should shine forth, drawing others to the warmth and radiance of God's presence.

These verses remind us that when we align our lives with God's will, blessings will overflow. This doesn't necessarily translate to material wealth, but rather to a deep sense of fulfillment, joy, and peace that surpasses all understanding.

As we reflect on the passing of another holiday season, another year, and look forward into the next, let us always look to seek out what God’s promises are for us, and let us always allow God to use us to show others the kind of hope that is only found in His promises.

PRAYER

God: let us find you in every day, for we know you're with us in every moment. Let our hope in You radiate through our soul, out of our eyes, in our words, and with our thoughts. Grant us the patience to always put our hope in You first, and give us the confidence that only a Promise from You can bring. Thank you for the Promises you have made to us through the gift of your Son. Thank you for loving us enough to give us another chance when we fall short, and thank you for the loving embrace of your forgiveness. In Jesus name, Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MICHAEL GUASTELLA

I have been a Hilliard resident since late 2022. I am orginially from the Cleveland area, where I attended Parkside Church as a boy under the teachings of Allistair Begg and was baptized at 16 years old. If you're reading this post on December 28, 2024, today is my wedding day! My now-wife and I have been attending UALC since earlier this year! It is a joy and honor to serve UALC.

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