The exiled people of Israel felt hopeless
Life as they knew it had changed
Memories overshadowed by present reality
Left them with hungry hearts
With imperatives of joyful invitation
Isaiah used the imagery of rich food
Available without price
To rekindle hope and courage
Together we have endured COVID
A five month exile of sorts
We remember what life was like
Without masks and with toilet paper
Living as we are now
Feels like being in a foreign land
Unknowns and uncertainties
Leave us also with hungry hearts
Isaiah’s words then speak to us
Reminding us of God’s grace
There are no conditions for receiving it
It is freely there for us to “taste and see”
We are reminded that in all times and seasons
God’s love for us remains a constant
It is our truest and deepest companion
Especially when our hearts feel hollow
Like a never ending banquet
God’s love nourishes us
And satisfies the hungry heart
With encouraging grace
Fed and refreshed
We set off to incarnate God’s love
Offering through our words and actions
God’s rich feast of unconditional grace
A Devotion by Rev. Donald Schaefer,
Northern Region Mission Engagement Facilitator
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