Enjoy Life, Enjoy God

PROMISE & RESPONSE

December 13, 2010

Often promises nurture hope and encouragement.  Usually we like it when someone makes us a promise.

They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them. Before they call I will answer, while they are still speaking I will hear.
                                             - Isaiah 65:23,24 TNIV

As Isaiah's prophecy draws to a close he announces words of promise, words that invite us to kindle our hope and encouragement. Yet, in those words is a summons to respond. The other side of promise is response, in this case, responsibility.

God promises us life itself through faith in Jesus Christ. Yet that life is found in a way of life called "discipleship." Discipleship is rooted in "discipline." Yes to the promise, rejoice.  But we also rejoice in our response, the privilege to serve the Lord as followers, disciples.

Joyfully,

Dale Patterson