Longing For Deliverance

The air quality index in the Portland metro area ranks as "hazardous" again today. For days, Portland has had the worst air of any major city in the world as we strain for a glimpse of blue sky or even a wisp of cloud through the smoke. Much like the Israelites of the Old Testament, we long for deliverance -- dreaming of rain that will wash the air clean.

The heaviness of the smoke can feel a little like exile, pressing us down and blanketing us in thick gray when we would much rather dash outside to enjoy the last of our typically beautiful late-summer Oregon days. Ah, the irony: Our pandemic fears trained us to move outside to escape the germs of the indoors, and then three dozen wildfires elbowed us back into the safer recirculated air of our homes. The Israelites also longed for relief from their exile, but from time to time God reminded them that He had a different role in mind: Rather than praying for their own release, God called them to preach release to those around them -- a different, less tangible kind of release that only He can offer.

Hear these words in Isaiah 42:5-7:

This is what God the Lord says—

the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,

    who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,

    who gives breath to its people,

    and life to those who walk on it:

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;

    I will take hold of your hand.

I will keep you and will make you

    to be a covenant for the people

    and a light for the Gentiles,

to open eyes that are blind,

    to free captives from prison

    and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness."

Are you able to shift your lens as God calls the Israelites to shift, focusing on preaching release to others rather than focusing on your own relief from exile? Do you hear the health in looking to your neighbors rather than yourself, stepping into God's greater plan rather than bemoaning the particulars of another day of smoky skies? Blessings on you as you navigate this week; may the peace of Christ cover your homes with light, laughter, and joy regardless of your circumstances.

Be well, my friends. May you offer Christ's peace and hope to those around you this week.

Jennie