Rebels

"Let him who walks in darkness trust in the name of Jehovah," Isaiah 50:10.

Why not make your own torch and move on? Helpful question. Here's the main reason: because God awakens each morning. (No, he himself doesn't awaken - he doesn't sleep, remember?) Because God awakens the ears of sleepers. God prepares their ears to hear like eager students are ready to learn. To receive a message that sustains weary people. God opens ears of those willing to learn from him and to move forward only with him. God helps these people no matter the adversarial accusations. Whoever stubbornly relies on God will be vindicated by God against bully rivals. God justifies. God justifies. Rebels wear out like old rags. Their self-made torches will only bed them in grief. And so: if you have no light, rely on your faithful God.

We turn to a brother or sister today and remind each other to hear God's word clearly able to sustain weary travelers. And, together, even from this present darkness, we give thanks to our just, and justifying, God.