The Servant of Hope

Today's Word:
Isaiah 49:1-6 (Second song of the servant: "It is too little for you to be my servant; I will make you a light to the nations")
Psalm 71:1-6, 15 & 17 (I will sing of the Lord's salvation)
John 13:21-38 (Jesus foretells Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial)

It will be a couple of short and sweets today and tomorrow.

Today, I am preparing to take a few days away from work so that there is enough time to get all the incidentals done, participate in the Holy Week services, and frame it with time with the family. The preparation involves extra planning and effort so that there is minimal disruption during my absence from work.

I trust I am not oversimplifying in saying that Jesus' earthly ministry was God's 'extra planning and effort.' He wants us to come to Him with minimal disruption, and His door is always open. Yet we with our busy lives tend to crowd our schedule to the point where there's often little time to reflect on what it's all about.

Paul Simon's Bridge Over Troubled Water was at the top of the charts at this time 39 years ago, in 1970. It's a great piece that you just don't seem to hear anymore. And it just seems to fit the image I have of the Servant Lord.

When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind