The Park Forum

July 15, 2026July 13, 2026

Commitment Embodied

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 15 Read: Isaiah 44 Listen: (5:12) Read: Psalms 110-111 Listen: (1:57)

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 44:1-5, 23

1 “But now listen, Jacob, my servant,
Israel, whom I have chosen.
2 This is what the Lord says—
he who made you, who formed you in the womb,
and who will help you:
Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant,
Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
4 They will spring up like grass in a meadow,
like poplar trees by flowing streams.
5 Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’;
others will call themselves by the name of Jacob;
still others will write on their hand, ‘The Lord’s,’
and will take the name Israel.

23 Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this;
shout aloud, you earth beneath.
Burst into song, you mountains,
you forests and all your trees,
for the Lord has redeemed Jacob,
he displays his glory in Israel.

Reflection: Commitment Embodied

By Erin Newton

I have been part of multiple churches in my life. With each one, there have been a variety of ways to become a member. Two required classes. Others required a written statement of faith. Another, an interview. One didn’t do anything for membership; it was assumed that those in attendance agreed to be members. The concept behind these methods was to establish a relationship between the person and the congregation and its staff.

Leaving a church has also been done through a variety of methods. One church only noticed when we stopped our tithe. Most we simply met with the pastor. One required more steps and involved the congregation.

The methods of joining and leaving simply reflect the idea of commitment. How would you define “commitment”? Maybe you think of the words: agreement, perseverance, unwavering, steadfast, staying true to one’s word, or mutuality?

Isaiah 44 speaks of God’s commitment to his people and their reciprocal commitment to God. God heralds the reality that he chose his people, he keeps his people, he protects his people, and he nourishes his people. He is the embodiment of what it means to be committed.

Israel, at this point in time, has her many flaws. But in the end, she still identifies as “the Lord’s.” The commitment (though flawed on the human side) is full of hope and encouragement.

So often we can think little of ourselves and too much of our failures. How could God love me now? We wonder. Isaiah 44 reminds us that God is fully committed—committed to us, to our well-being, to our future.

The hymn, “O Love that Will Not Let Me Go,” echoes the faithfulness of God that we see in Isaiah 44. This powerful hymn details the consistency of God and the pursuit God has for his people. Take a moment to read and listen to these words:

O love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

O Joy that seekest me thru’ pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow thru’ the rain
And feel the promise is not vain
That morn shall tearless be.

Love will not let you go. Give back to him the life you owe. Trace the rainbow through the rain.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence

O God of hosts, show us the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved. — Psalm 80.7

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Providential Patterns

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 14 Read: Isaiah 43 Listen: (4:06) Read: Psalms 108-109 Listen: (4:28)

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43.1-2, 16-19

1 But now, this is what the Lord says—

he who created you, Jacob,

he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

16 This is what the Lord says—

he who made a way through the sea,

a path through the mighty waters,

17 who drew out the chariots and horses,

the army and reinforcements together,

and they lay there, never to rise again,

extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:

18 “Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

19 See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland.

Reflection: Providential Patterns

By John Tillman

Why should we remember what God has done?

One reason is that noticing new things God does now is easier when we remember God’s deeds from the past.

In Isaiah 43, God points to past miracles as evidence of his identity, faithfulness, and loving purpose. He references the Exodus story, including the burning bush, crossing the sea, the drowning of Pharoah’s army, and providing food and water for his people in the wilderness.

He says that he will do similar things for his people in the future but he warns against dwelling on the past. He says, “I’m doing something new. Don’t you notice?” God is doing something that is “the same but different.”

God’s deeds for Israel in Isaiah’s day would be the same but different than his deeds in Moses’ day. And God’s deeds today will be the same but different than the deeds we might look back on.

Israel would never again cross the Red Sea or the Jordan on dry land. Neither will you. However, when God is with you, rivers of troubles may rise but they won’t wash you away. Isaiah would never see God in a burning bush like Moses did. Daniel would never stand in a burning furnace like his friends did. However, when God is with you, you may be caught (or thrown) in a fiery trial, but the flames won’t burn you up and God will be with you.

Don’t dwell on the past or look for God to do the same thing again. Don’t put your hope in nostalgia. Put your hope in God bringing newness, not the same old thing. Put your hope in new wine for new wineskins. Put your hope in the small, unexpected things that are springing up. Do you perceive them? Pray that you will.

Lord, help us remember the providential patterns of your saving help.

When we passed through waters, fires, wildernesses, and wastelands

You did not abandon us.

Help us not fear present or future trials.

May the patterns of previous blessings help us perceive today’s.

Let us be quick to see your saving work and quick to praise and thank you, giving you glory.

Help us not to dwell in the past but dwell with you.

Help us not to lose ourselves in nostalgia for bygone days but rejoice in new appreciation for your works today.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the whole earth. — Psalm 96.1

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Being God’s Servant

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 13 Read: Isaiah 42 Listen: (4:11) Read: Psalm 107 Listen: (4:12)

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 42.1-4

1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,

my chosen one in whom I delight;

I will put my Spirit on him,

and he will bring justice to the nations.

2 He will not shout or cry out,

or raise his voice in the streets.

3 A bruised reed he will not break,

and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;

4 he will not falter or be discouraged

till he establishes justice on earth.

In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

Reflection: Being God’s Servant

By John Tillman

Who is God’s servant?

In Isaiah, God’s “servant” is not a bowing, scraping, subservient, underling. The servant Isaiah sings about is the type of servant who stands as a representative of his master, speaking in his name, acting in accordance with his will, and representing his presence and person. This was common in Isaiah’s time. Isaiah described a human example of this in Sennacherib’s commander who spoke in his king’s name during the siege of Jerusalem (Is 36). Joseph, speaking for Pharaoh (Gen 41.41-44), is another example.

God’s servant in Isaiah is an image of God, representing God’s will, presence, and person.

God’s servant in Isaiah is a leader, but also a laborer. Isaiah emphasizes the effort, strain, and passion of the servant. He stirs up his zeal to face his enemies and cries out like a woman in childbirth, gasping and panting with exertion. This is not just an Old Testament idea. Paul described the “incomparably great power” and “mighty strength” God “exerted” when raising Jesus from the dead (Eph 1.19-20). And many writers describe the extreme anguish, both physical and spiritual, of Jesus, beginning in Gethsemane and continuing to his last cries on the cross.

God’s servant works with effort, exerting God’s power, granted for God’s purposes.

God’s servant in Isaiah is tough and tender, but these aren’t opposites or contradictions. His tenderness motivates his toughness. Because he will not break a bruised reed, he levels mountains to rescue the injured. Because he will not snuff out a smoldering wick, he dispels darkness, igniting a blazing torch of justice.

God’s servant is driven by mercy, love, and compassion, not vengeance, hatred, or violence.

Isaiah’s servant songs looked forward to multiple realities. One was the post-exile restoration of Israel when, one by one, God would overcome all obstacles, political and spiritual, to his people returning to live again with him in Jerusalem. Another was a cosmic picture of God’s work of salvation for all humanity, when God, through Jesus, destroys obstacles or enemies keeping his children from living with him in eternity.

Ultimately, Isaiah’s servant is Jesus. But in your world, through the Holy Spirit, you represent Jesus’ presence and person. Be more and more conformed into a better image of him (Rom 8.29; 12.2). Work in his name, with his mighty power, toward his merciful purpose. Gasp and pant to birth the gospel into your world.

Be God’s servant. In Jesus’ name.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. — Psalm 19.14

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

You’re No Hezekiah

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 10 Read: Isaiah 39 Listen: (1:35) Read: Acts 26 Listen: (5:17)

Links for this weekend’s readings:

Jul 11 Read: Isaiah 40 Listen: (5:09) Read: Acts 27 Listen: (6:09)
Jul 12 Read: Isaiah 41 Listen: (5:00) Read: Acts 28 Listen: (4:56)

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 39

1 At that time Marduk-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent Hezekiah letters and a gift, because he had heard of his illness and recovery. 2 Hezekiah received the envoys gladly and showed them what was in his storehouses—the silver, the gold, the spices, the fine olive oil—his entire armory and everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them. 3 Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked, “What did those men say, and where did they come from?” “From a distant land,” Hezekiah replied. “They came to me from Babylon.” 4 The prophet asked, “What did they see in your palace?” “They saw everything in my palace,” Hezekiah said. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.” 5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord Almighty: 6 The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord. 7 And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” 8 “The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my lifetime.”

Reflection: You’re No Hezekiah

By John Tillman

There was no king like Hezekiah (2 Kings 18.5). Hezekiah’s faith held firm in crises that would have crumbled other kings.

He eliminated idolatry that had plagued Judah for generations (2 Kings 18.4). He faced down the undefeatable invading army of the world’s first empire, Assyria (2 Chron 32.6-8, 22-23). He faced terminal illness, appealing to God, who healed him (2 Kings 20.1-6). This miraculous healing, however, came with a test. And Hezekiah failed it.

Babylon heard of Hezekiah’s healing and sent envoys with gifts, inquiring about the miracle. Even though the text says Hezekiah showed them “everything,” Hezekiah somehow never introduced them to Isaiah, the prophet who healed him and nothing from the Temple is listed in what was shown to the visitors. Hezekiah’s tour seems to have focused on signs of his wealth, power, and strength.

Chronicles’ account clarifies that God tested Hezekiah to expose what was in his heart (2 Chron 32.31). Hezekiah looked great on the outside. If there was a “Mount Rushmore” of good kings of Judah, Hezekiah would be on it (2 Kings 18.5). But in his heart, the cracks of pride and greed widened, destroying everything.

In literature, film, and television, we love tragic heroes that have one flaw or one tragic mistake that dooms everything. It makes a good story, but also plays into how we see ourselves. We think we are “mostly good,” maybe even heroic at times. However, if we think being faithful will mean avoiding one tragic error, we are badly mistaken.

It is good to learn from Hezekiah’s failure. We need to keep our focus on God, not our wealth, power, or strength. Most of us won’t be tested like Hezekiah was. Hezekiah passed tests we might fail and failed ones we might pass. We don’t need to learn how to avoid the specific sins of Hezekiah or any other biblical character. We need to learn to discern the sins we are tempted with today.

If we say we are without sin, we deceive ourselves (1 John 1.8). But if anyone does sin, Jesus is our advocate and the atoning sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the whole world (1 John 2.1-2). Instead of hiding sins or hiding from them, drag them out into the light through confession and Jesus will purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1.9).

You’re no Hezekiah and neither am I. Our culture, strengths, and weaknesses differ. We will be tested in different ways. When, not if, we fail, be quick to confess and faithful to repent.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting

For your name’s sake, O Lord, forgive my sin, for it is great. — Psalm 25.10

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

True and Reasonable Faith

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 9 Read: Isaiah 38 Listen: (3:20) Read: Acts 25 Listen: (4:40)

Scripture Focus: Acts 25.18-19

18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.

Acts 26.24-27

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

Reflection: True and Reasonable Faith

By John Tillman

Festus was confused by the false charges against Paul. He didn’t even know how to describe the case when sending it to Caesar. Paul’s claims seemed like madness to him.

Many within Greek-influenced Roman culture thought the spirit was a superior form of reality and the body was an inferior shell. The resurrection of the dead was nonsense—more like a curse than a miracle. Later, as Paul spoke of resurrection during his defense, Festus would interrupt, saying, “You are out of your mind!” (Acts 26.24-27)

Paul’s defense included telling the facts of his own life, his previous persecution of “The Way,” and his meeting with the risen Jesus. Paul presented his claims as verifiable facts that “did not happen in a corner” (Acts 26.26) and invited scrutiny of everything, including the resurrection. Even in Paul’s day, all the authority and power of Rome couldn’t disprove Paul’s testimony about Jesus.

Paul’s defense also claimed that his testimony about resurrection was “reasonable” from the Jewish perspective and in light of what was written in the prophets. To Agrippa, a man well-studied in Jewish anthropology and the scriptures, the resurrection of the dead was not madness and Paul’s story apparently seemed quite compelling. (Acts 26.28)

Paul demonstrated that he was innocent of the charges against him. But what is more important is that he demonstrated that Christian claims sprang logically from promises in the Jewish scriptures and that the facts of his life merited serious consideration of his religious claims.

The TV series, The Chosen, imagines a conversation between Nicodemus and Mary Magdalene. In that scene, she says, “I was one way… and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between… was Him.” Even as far removed from the events of the Gospels as we are, we still can bear witness, like Paul and others did, using our own stories.

You may think, “I don’t have a dramatic story. I wasn’t arresting Christians like Paul or possessed by demons like Mary.” But surely Jesus has made a dramatic change in you? Hasn’t he changed the way you think about yourself? Hasn’t he changed the way you think about others? Hasn’t he rooted out of your heart stones and weeds and planted new growth?

Keep testifying to the truth of the resurrection and living out its implications. It is our lives, paired with our words, that make our faith “true and reasonable” to the watching world.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

Cast your burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous stumble. — Psalm 55.24

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Posts

Commitment Embodied

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 44:1-5, 23

Reflection: Commitment Embodied

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence

Read more: Weighed and Found Wanting

Read more: Walk-on Roles

Providential Patterns

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 43.1-2, 16-19

Reflection: Providential Patterns

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Read more: Steadfast Hope

Read more: Revenge to Redemption

Being God’s Servant

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 42.1-4

Reflection: Being God’s Servant

Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting

Read more: Dependent Hope

Read more: Stories of the Redeemed

You’re No Hezekiah

Links for today’s readings:

Links for this weekend’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 39

Reflection: You’re No Hezekiah

Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting

Read more: Victory In Loss

Read more: Ozymandias & Hezekiah

True and Reasonable Faith

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Acts 25.18-19

Acts 26.24-27

Reflection: True and Reasonable Faith

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

Read more: The Impression That We Give

Read more: Prayer Beyond Petitions