February 14, 2011

2-14-11 Monday, 6:45 am Valentine’s Day in Springfield, 37 degrees, clear and still.

Isaiah 27

This chapter concludes the unit comprised of chapters 24-27. Verse 1 is an interesting account of the Lord punishing Leviathan the fleeing serpent, with His fierce and great and mighty sword killing the dragon who lives in the sea. Commentators liken this account to Babylonian and Ugarit creation epics, concluding that God is the sole sovereign of the universe, even though evil and destruction now threaten the principles of justice upon which the universe is founded.

The remainder of the verses promise the deliverance of Judah by the Lord. In verse 2 God’s chosen people are likened to a vineyard with the Lord its keeper, guarding it day and night. I realize that the church is God’s vineyard, he tends it and appoints shepherds to care for it and increase it. Guide me Lord on this day as I seek to be your faithful shepherd in Springfield, Missouri.

Yesterday was a good day at Wesley United Methodist Church, with an invitation to pray at the altar in each service. I had the privilege of baptizing 3 people, preaching about the blessings for those who mourn, and encouraging hearers to make the hope choice. In the afternoon I drove to Lebanon and met with one of our members who has moved away. We talked about motorcycles, and I took his Concours for a short ride. In the evening Audrey and I watched the Grammy awards and planned our trip to Bethany’s senior recital which is on April 1.