Goodbye

 There's an entire history to "goodbye." That is, "goodbye" and "bye-bye" didn't develop out of thin air. Over centuries, we've contracted a blessing and promise people often gave each other. God be with you is where we began. How we use and change language over time got us to bubye.

No matter how we say it, though, we're expressing a reiterated promise of God found in scripture. God is with us. God promised the people they would not walk alone (Leviticus 26:12). Through the prophet Ezekiel, God said, "My dwelling place shall be with them" (Ezekiel 37:27). Isaiah quotes God, "Don't be afraid, for I am with you" (Isaiah 41:10). The Lord even makes the promise to individuals like Joshua and Gideon. Of course, many of us know and hold onto the promise Jesus gave: I am with you always (Matthew 28:20).

There's no defining God and speaking of God without mentioning God's presence. Yes, we could only talk about God's almighty power evident in matters of creation. But other religions often look to the power of their gods. What distinguishes our understanding of God is the idea of presence. Don't take the idea for granted. It's a constant theme of faith for a reason.

As the people of God sat in judgement, the prophet Isaiah turned their attention to a future time. Though it may have been hard to see it that day, another day was coming when they would have joy. "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" (Isaiah 12:3). This joy will come from God. In this brief passage, the prophet shows several joy-producing acts of God. First, God is salvation. God's name is exalted. And what the Lord has done, the Lord has done gloriously.

The final reminder Isaiah offers that would bring joy to the people is God's presence. The people would be able to sing for joy because "great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."

Not only is God's presence a constant reminder, it's supposed to be a source of joy for us. God Almighty is in our midst.  That's not merely a theological claim. It's a wellspring of assurance of hope and joy.

Stay blessed...john