DKN - Sunday 4 (Isaiah 43:19, ESV): Beth

Introduction

Good evening friend, this is Beth/Bethany, I’m delighted you’ve joined me. Grace and peace to you from God the Father and King Jesus our Savior. 

It is time to settle in for the night. Are you curled up in your bed? Blankets tucked just right? Be sure to dim the lights so you can doze off. Ok, let’s begin.

As we bid farewell to this Sunday, let's take a moment to ready ourselves for rest by calming our minds and relaxing our bodies. Let's try something together. Laying on your back, I'd like you to straighten your legs and scrunch your toes tight, hold it for 5 seconds…now loosen them and wiggle your toes and turn your feet in big slow circles. Feel free to stretch those legs and settle in nice and comfy. Ahh, that helps us let all the tension from today out so that we can sleep well tonight. Ok, now maybe you can close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Lay here quietly for a few more seconds resting in the peace of this moment.

Reflection on the Day

Today was a gift from God, perhaps there were moments of joy and laughter, moments of comfort and tenderness. As we reflect on these moments allow gratitude to well up in your heart.  There may also have been moments of frustration and anger or sadness and hurt. It is important that we both confess our sins, and let go of our anger. Why don't we pray together – a prayer of confession and gratitude. Most Merciful God we confess that we have sinned against you today, in thought word and deed. We are truly sorry, and we humbly repent. Fill our hearts with the light of Your truth, and strengthen us by Your grace. Teach us both to desire and to do only what pleases You. We are grateful for your lovingkindess and all the blessings you have given us today. It is our joy come to you this evening in the name of your Son, our Savior, Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Introduction

Let us peacefully receive the Word of God. Listen as I read Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

A Restful Reflection

There is a famous old book called The Secret Garden (maybe you’ve heard of it or even read it?). I’d like to read a few lines from it tonight. I won’t spoil the story for you, this is just a collection of quotes I’ve put together about the beauty of the garden.

Ok, with your eyes closed, in the peace and quiet, listen closely and let your imagination take you into the heart of this lush land.

(a few seconds of space)

“At first it seemed that green things would never cease pushing their way through the earth, in the grass, in the beds, even in the crevices of the walls. Then the green things began to show buds and the buds began to unfurl and show color, every shade of blue, every shade of purple, every tint and hue of crimson. Flowers had been tucked away into every inch and hole and corner, Iris and white lilies rose out of the grass in sheaves, and the green alcoves filled themselves with amazing armies of the blue and white flower lances of tall delphiniums. And over walls and earth and trees the fair green veil of tender little leaves had crept, and in the grass under the trees here and there everywhere were touches or splashes of gold and purple and white and the trees were showing pink and snow and there were fluttering of wings and faint sweet pipes and humming and scents and scents. It was like a king’s canopy! The plum-tree was snow-white with blossoms and musical with bees. There were flowering cherry-trees near and apple-trees whose buds were pink and white, and here and there one had burst open wide. Between the blossoming branches of the canopy, bits of blue sky looked down like wonderful eyes. Every moment of the afternoon was full of new things and every hour the sunshine grew more golden. And delight reigned!”

Wow, what a beautiful sounding place. Does it sound like any place in the Bible? The garden of Eden! In the beginning, God made a spectacular lush garden, filled with life and love. This was to be a home for him and his people. But alas, Adam and Eve sinned against God, and they were exiled out of the garden and into the dry dusty wilderness.

But, God made us to live in a lush land filled and flowing with his life and love. So, long ago, he whispered a promise through the lips of the prophet Isaiah. He said that he would make a way in the wilderness. A way back to him! This is a new thing he is doing. Salvation Springs fourth and a barren land. Rivers of life will rush into the dry, dusty desert.

Jesus is the great gardener. Jesus is the one who makes the dead live. He prunes, cultivates, and tends this new garden.

As you fall asleep tonight, may you dream of a new golden garden, planted by King Jesus – a lush blooming land with new flowers and new bits of green sprouting every moment everywhere. Where you and I, and billions of his people, will flourish forever and ever under the King’s canopy, and Delight will reign on high.

5. Blessing and Release God is doing a new thing; now it springs forth. He is making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. He is planting a new Garden big enough to house his whole family. It is filled and flowing with his life and love, and he has a place there just for you.

Tonight, as the world falls asleep, rest securely in his marvelous and mighty love.

Let's go to our good God in a closing prayer.

O God of Life and Love, God of Peace, God of all Comfort, give rest to your children. In peace we lie down to sleep; for you alone, Holy Trinity, make us dwell in safety. Amen (space) God is good, and our future is golden. Goodnight.

“At first it seemed that green things would never cease pushing their way through the earth, in the grass, in the beds, even in the crevices of the walls. Then the green things began to show buds and the buds began to unfurl and show color, every shade of blue, every shade of purple, every tint and hue of crimson…flowers had been tucked away into every inch and hole and corner… Iris and white lilies rose out of the grass in sheaves, and the green alcoves filled themselves with amazing armies of the blue and white flower lances of tall delphiniums. (282)

“And over walls and earth and trees… the fair green veil of tender little leaves had crept, and in the grass under the trees… here and there everywhere were touches or splashes of gold and purple and white and the trees were showing pink and snow… and there were fluttering of wings and faint sweet pipes and humming and scents and scents.” (255)

“…The plum-tree, which was snow-white with blossoms and musical with bees. It was like a king’s canopy… There were flowering cherry-trees near and apple-trees whose buds were pink and white, and here and there one had burst open wide. Between the blossoming branches of the canopy bits of blue sky looked down like wonderful eyes.” (258)

“Every moment of the afternoon was full of new things and every hour the sunshine grew more golden.” (259)

“And delight reigned.” (258)