Be Mine

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.
-Isaiah 43:1

Valentine’s Day is such a fun opportunity to remember the one who loves us most of all–God.  In Isaiah 43 we have the first “conversation heart” message from God “you are mine.”  Be Mine serves as both a claim and a request.  God desires to be in relationship with us.  God has redeemed us and summons us into a relationship.  But we have a part to play as well… we have to say YES.

I pray you have a moment this Valentine’s Day to reflect on the fact that you are loved more deeply and completely by the one who knows every hair on your head.  That you remember that you are fully known, fully forgiven, fully embraced in grace, and fully loved by God.

Forgive us, Lord, for the things we have done and the things we have left undone.  Open our eyes to you – your deeper truth and your life within us – so that we might look around us and within us and see anew.  In faith, may we come to know you more fully, love more deeply, and see the world and everyone in it as you do, according to your grace.  Help us to receive your love and claim upon our lives.  Make us yours.  Amen.

Pastor Hanna will be away this Sunday on vacation.  Retired Pastor Sam Geyer will preach in worship this week.  Please welcome Sam to the pulpit.