"And he will come to Zion as Redeemer,
to those in Jacob who turn from transgression, says the LORD.
"And as for me, this is my covenant with them, says the LORD: my spirit which is upon you, and my words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your children, or out of the mouth of your children's children, says the LORD, from this time forth and for evermore."
Isaiah 59:20–21 (RSV)
Today is the day after the Epiphany when the light of salvation was revealed to all the world. Jesus is our Redeemer, turning the hearts of many away from sin to a new life in Him. The Father's promise from ancient days is alive among us through His Son. It is a promise intended to go forth unto the ending of days.
The Father has given the Spirit through Holy Baptism, that faith may take root and grow in our hearts. His Word is written in our hearts. It is a Word that will be spoken in every age until our Lord comes again.
He is not speaking to the seminary trained and the ordained. All who are His through Jesus Christ are given new life. As their children, grandchildren, they are given the Word down through all the years to come.
Our worship is hindered by the pandemic, at times prevented altogether. Our life in the community of believers takes place behind masks, hugs, and handshakes denied. We sit apart from each other and worry that a virus may be spread if we receive the Supper.
We entertain thoughts of our congregations not surviving, of members choosing live-streaming over returning once the pandemic is over, and other gods replacing the Lord. We question the Father's purpose, wondering if we are bring judged for our lack of faithfulness.
We forget the sufferings of the Church throughout the ages. We neglect the sacrifices of the Holy Martyrs as if this trial is more significant than theirs. We do not recall those whose lives were taken for sharing the Word of God.
We are in a time of trial. The future is unclear, for now. Remember, though we may not have the eyes to see what may come, it is the Lord's future. He will carry us with Him down the ages yet to come. He will give us the Spirit to speak His Word to peoples unborn. His Church cannot fail though all the hosts of hell rage against it.
'It is a promise intended to go forth unto the ending of days.'