The Power of Hope

MEMO for Those Who Preach

by

Sunday, April 7, 2019

Isaiah 43:16-21; John 12:1-8; Psalm126

Have you ever wondered what you might do if you were displaced from your home, separated from your parents, your children or from dear and close friends? Have you ever entertained questions such as:  “Who would I become in exile? What will become of me or my family? “ 

Throughout centuries, displaced and exiled people have had such questions, hard questions that often do not have immediate satisfying answers.  Old Testament Israelites faced such questions, and many more at the beginning and throughout their exile experience under the power of Babylon. 

After years of being exiled in a foreign land, the Israelites were emancipated by Cyrus the Persian King, whose army defeated the Babylonians. (Second Isaiah 43:16-21).  The Israelites’ songs of faith at the time of being freed from exile included their hope for a brighter future.  Their belief: something new was about to happen. The prophet proclaimed the desert path they followed back to their homeland would be filled with watering places along the way for their nourishment. The prophet’s words were wrapped in the hope that God’s people would respond with obedience to God. Their songs were filled with praise and thanksgiving, demonstrating their gratitude toward the God who rescued them.

While songs of praise and gratitude might have been, and probably still are, pleasing to God, God’s wish for the people was that they would remain obedient to the Word and commandments they had been given in the days of Moses.  Such obedience would not only be demonstrated by following these commandments, but also caring for the elderly, the children, the poor and the needy in their midst; however, there was more to be said. The God who freed them from exile also expected them to accept into their community others who had been displaced, those who have fled their homelands because of violence, and the children who braved the odds to seek a safer place, under the protection of a people who claimed to follow the God above all gods, who cares for all and expected those who call upon the name of Yahweh to do the same.  

How would you or I comprehend this text if we were part of a community of exiles seeking a safe place and putting our hopes in the belief that our tomorrows are filled with opportunities and new beginnings?  How would we understand this text if we were called to be the host and hostess of unexpected guests who understood our front or back door porch light as being an invitation to all?

Even though they were returning to their homeland, it was a new place for the generation born into exile. The emotional experience was probably not unlike what many seeking refuge in our country today are experiencing. The power of hope can never be taken away by force from a person. If held onto, hope can outlive cruelty and indifference. Today, many exiled people hold onto hope and the power it has to help them see a better tomorrow.

With gratitude to Wayne Clark: Psalm 126 celebrates the return of the people from captivity.  It is interesting to note that the old hymn “Bringing In the Sheaves” grows out of this joyous return of the people. In these days when there is so much unhappiness within the Church, it is nice that Wayne Clark reminds us of those low moments in captivity when Israel discovered hope. We Methodists have been through a lot of pain lately. But the time for weeping is over and it is high time for us to come back with songs of joy. If we are faithful, the God of Easter faith will find us.  No ruling, no pronouncement can change the strong word of hope.   – Bill Cotton

The Rev. Dr. Wayne Clark, now retired, has a D.Min, certification in Pastoral Counseling, and was a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Wayne has served the UMC in Iowa for many years as a pastor and a District Superintendent.