Following the light

Were the prophets of Israel devout, religious, reverent, holy? Did they have all the answers to life's puzzles and perplexities within them personally?

In her book "The Search for God", author Marchette Chute describes the prophets of Israel as "looking for the truth about God" - in fact striving for the truth. In contrast, she says, organized religion relies on "traditional ideas" accepted by its followers. (See "The Search for God", flyleaf, 13th printing 1965 E. P. Dutton and Co). We learn that instead of meaning "worshipper of God", "Israel" was a title meaning "striver with God", and Job is a perfect example of one who strode that pathway.

These men were on a trajectory of enquiry. Chute maintains that they were convinced that the search would culminate in satisfying answers and glorious fulfilment, and further suggests that while its first expression in the Bible is in Genesis 1, "the conviction finds its most beautiful and complete expression in the writings of the prophet Isaiah..." (p. 37).

And so, from this week's Christian Science Bible lesson, we can rejoice in Isaiah's firm spiritual promises:

The Lord himself will choose the sign--a child shall be born to a virgin! And she shall call him Emmanuel (meaning, "God is with us"). Isa 7: 14 The Living Bible

For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: "Wonderful," "Counsellor," "The Mighty God," "The everlasting Father," "The Prince of Peace." His everlasting peaceful government will never end. He will rule with perfect fairness and justice from the throne of his father David. He will bring true justice and peace to all the nations of the world. Isa 9: 6, 7 ibid

The people who walk in darkness shall see a great Light--a Light that will shine on all those who live in the land of the shadow of death. Isa 9:2 ibid

All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see the glory of the Lord upon you. Vast droves of camels will converge upon you, dromedaries from Midian and Sheba and Ephah, too, bring gold and incense to add to the praise of God. Isa 60: 3, 6 ibid

Comfort, oh, comfort my people, says your God. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will carry the lambs in his arms and gently lead the ewes with young. Isa 40: 1, 11 ibid

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the suffering and afflicted. He has sent me to comfort the broken-hearted, to announce liberty to captives and to open the eyes of the blind. Isa 61:1 ibid

Jew, Gentile, Greek, Muslim, atheist, Christian Scientist - we are all the recipients of that wondrous radiance which kisses us gently and says - you are dearly loved.

Julie Swannell