Dec. 8 - Robert Hobby (Isaiah 40:1-11)

In the context of a year filled with division due to the pandemic response, racial tension, and political rhetoric, the words of Isaiah 40:5 have taken on new meaning for me: “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together…” Imagine ALL of God’s kingdom gathering TOGETHER for the unveiling of this surprise God has in store!

This reminds me of a spring afternoon our family shared, working on a jigsaw puzzle. It began sorting colors and looking for distinct pieces to match with similar ones. Candidly, each piece was non-descript -- none more or less interesting than the next. With effort, small bits of the puzzle’s story started to emerge. At times, the assembly was easy; in others it was more arduous…requiring a walk around the table, a peek at the box lid, and attempts to fit two pieces that just wouldn’t fit. Eventually, when the puzzle was almost complete, there were several missing pieces. Nearly 1,000 in place, and what we saw was vacant spots. Fortunately, the missing pieces were discovered on the floor and slipped into their places. After four hours, we saw the “completed” picture…the result of little connected pieces and a bit of patience and persistence.

In this fractured world, might the prophet’s words be calling us to ponder our roles in God’s multi-dimensional puzzle, serving as both “piece” and “assembler?” As individual “pieces” of the grand scheme, how might we become more secure, trusting that God has specially prepared a place for us? Confident in that knowledge, how might we recognize that every other piece is equally vital for the picture’s completion? Furthermore, in the capacity of “assembler,” equipped with unique God-given gifts, how might we be called to interact, work, and share with others– including those with whom we may not always agree or connect – to fill in God’s master plan?

Isaiah foretells of the moment when ALL – TOGETHER – will witness the mysterious and miraculous puzzle: God’s Glory. With hope and anticipation of what is to come, may we seek to lovingly, respectfully, and fervently live out our days with all of God’s beloved children so that, even in these challenging, transitional days, glimpses of God’s glory might be revealed

Robert Hobby
Director of Music