Friday, July 31, 2009

The foundation of all things

This passage really spoke to me today. I know what it is to wonder, to remember, to be assured. I have been paying attention, but sometimes I forget. It is good to be reminded. (Pictures are from my days in Maine two weeks ago.)

Isaiah 40:21-31 (The Message)

21-24Have you not been paying attention?
Have you not been listening?
Haven't you heard these stories all your life?
Don't you understand the foundation of all things?
God sits high above the round ball of earth.
The people look like mere ants.
He stretches out the skies like a canvas—
yes, like a tent canvas to live under.
He ignores what all the princes say and do.
The rulers of the earth count for nothing.
Princes and rulers don't amount to much.
Like seeds barely rooted, just sprouted,
They shrivel when God blows on them.
Like flecks of chaff, they're gone with the wind.

25-26"So—who is like me? Who holds a candle to me?" says The Holy.
Look at the night skies:
Who do you think made all this?
Who marches this army of stars out each night,
counts them off, calls each by name
—so magnificent! so powerful!—
and never overlooks a single one?

27-31Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
or, whine, Israel, saying,
"God has lost track of me.
He doesn't care what happens to me"?
Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?
God doesn't come and go. God lasts.
He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind.

5 comments:

Ruth said...

The words of this passage in The Message are fresh and meaningful. This has always been one of my favourite chapters in the Bible. I love the part in the movie Chariots of Fire where it is read from the big pulpit.

Sunny said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sunny said...

Hey Rondi, that was me messing up on the last (deleted) comment. Anyway, love those flower photos. Reminds me of a recent pic of Buchart Gardens I saw on this blog right here. http://www.my-photo-blog.com/

Morning's Minion said...

That is a favorite passage--had never read it in that version. I like the phrase, "who marches this army of stars out each night"--rather a visual and active process.

R. Aastrup said...

Ruth--I really appreciate The Message. And I thought this was a particularly wonderful rendering.

Sunny--the flowers are from my parents' garden in Alfred =)

Morning's Minion--I love where it says "God doesn't come and go. God lasts." You're right...visual and active. Beautiful!