Text: Isaiah 57:1-21, Luke 12:4-7, Ephesians 2:11-22
I did not grow up in a Christian home. If we did attend church, we did so sporadically—but most Easter holidays, for sure. I had heard a smattering of Bible stories and knew about Jesus through the Catholic grade school I attended. And even then, I was drawn to Jesus.
I will never forget that day in the third grade when we had an Easter observance, the Stations of the Cross, during the school day. Our class filed into the sanctuary and began moving from picture to picture, pausing at each image that depicted Jesus on the day of His crucifixion. By the time we got to Jesus on the cross, I was in tears. Even hearing that He rose again didn’t comfort me. I couldn’t understand: how could something so awful happen to someone so good?
Still, as moved as I was, I felt far from Jesus. I didn’t know Him and I didn’t know that I could know Him. I didn’t know that He came to earth to die for me, so that I, Kim, could be saved. In my mind, the classmates who could walk to the front and take communion were the ones who were close to Jesus. I had to sit in the pew as they got up and filed past me. They were included, while I never thought I was.
In college I met friends who had grown up in church. On a couple of occasions, I attended Sunday service with them, watching as they opened their Bibles, knowing exactly where to turn at the pastor’s direction. They could quote Scripture and knew references to people and stories throughout the Bible. Once again, I felt far from Him, while others got to be near.
Maybe that’s why I so love the heart of God in these words: “‘Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near,’ says the LORD, and ‘I will heal him’” (Isaiah 57:19). In Isaiah, God is revealing His plan for the world; salvation would extend to all nations and all people, not just His chosen people, Israel.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16, emphasis mine). Jesus’ earthly lineage came through the people of Israel, but He is the eternal God. Before the foundation of the world, His divine plan was for Jesus to be Savior of all.
“Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near” is joyous news for us all. Jesus’ arms are open unto us no matter where we’re from, how we were raised, or what we’ve done. So often we feel far from God because of things we’ve done, but the truth is there’s nothing that can that can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:39).
It is Jesus who makes it so. His death on the cross paid a debt we could never pay. In Him, we are forgiven and able to dwell closely with our Lord, ever near. Peace with God through His Son is a gift overflowing with mercy, love, and grace. This is the God who beckons to us, not once, but twice—peace, peace. By the power of His Spirit may we turn to receive it and to rest in Him.
Kim Cash Tate is the author of several books, including Though I Stumble (2016) and Cling: Choosing a Lifestyle of Intimacy with God (2017). A former practicing attorney, she has a passion for studying and teaching the Word of God. Kim lives in St. Louis with her husband and their two young adult children.
This reading could not have come at a better time. This study is the first time I have ever ACTUALLY read the Bible. I studies short passage during core classes at my Dominican Catholic alma mater, and listen along to the readings during the occasional times I attend Mass. Since the birth of my son last April I have felt a calling to engage with my Faith. A faith that has been dormant for 30 years. Let’s just say it’s been an emotional rollercoaster over the past 40 days. I’ve struggled to understand the language, after I finally figured out which bible version to even read (LOTS of googling…) and have, over the last week in particular, been feeling like maybe I’m too old to be religious. That i would never understand it like someone who grew up in a more traditional Christian household. DID I EVER NEED TO HEAR – “peace to those who are far and those who are near”. Even though I may not understand every verse or every reference, God loves me and has a plan for me. My childhood, my upbringing, my finding of She Reads Truth in a random Instagram post are all part of the plan. I must have Faith and carry on!
Yes, Emma, keep plugging along. God will bless you for your diligence. I only started learning more after my daughter was born and she started asking lots of questions. If you can, find a solid Christian to help with your questions. I was so fortunate that God placed some great women in my life. I still don’t know a lot, but I know more than I did yesterday! Keep learning!
Thank you!
Praying for your journey!
God bless you Emma!! I am home with a little guy too. And it’s hard! I am also catholic. Anything from “Steubenville” that you can follow on instagram may also encourage you! Prayers sweet one!
Thank you!
Oh Emma, I’m so glad that you want to know our Lord and Savior better but remember that you don’t have to muster up faith on your own. Tell Him how you feel. He will help you. Ask Him to open the eyes of your heart and help you to understand. Ask Him to send a spiritual mother your way to help. We all have a story; we all have a past. Yes, some are much worse than others, but God is still there. Joni Erikson Tada says that God allows that which He hates to accomplish that which He loves. Godspeed on your journey.
Thank you!
Working to wrap my head around this one. In a good way. Lately I’m so stuck with all the ways I’ve messed up, or all the ways I fell short. And, then I’m discouraged by a small group that was so good to join… but now, is this constant discouragement. It’s like, I hear all the ways it’s stupid & pathetic to still be in love with someone, & I’m reminded I’m not over someone I DO still love. Or, I’m told to dumb down my replies, constantly told to add more to my answers… when I’m saying what I do mean. And, this small group that should be such a good extension of God’s grace… is turning into a nightmare. I can’t figure out what I’ve done wrong, or what I could change. And, I’ve reached this point where I am tired of sharing because it’s dismissed, & I’ve shared all the things that are going on in my life. And, I’ve been afraid. Afraid of what ladies can think of me, or what they do think of me. And, then. There’s this study. Reminding me that it doesn’t matter. Because God’s love says He’s enough, His love takes me in all my shortcomings, & He cares about me so much that He knows every hair on my head. He doesn’t forget the things going on in my life, & He knows where I need healing… & the fact that He calls for peace is just such a welcome reminder right now.
I’m so glad this study has been meaningful for you with what you’re going through. Cling to the truth of God’s character, and He’ll reveal Himself to you.
Maybe you can take some of your learning and understanding of this study to the small group study. Many times people get focused on what to say or what is right, when faith, hope and love of our God/Christ/Holy Spirit is a relationship, which is always work, there is not right or wrong it just IS. God bless, know that what your are doing is building a better relationship with the Lord and share that love with your study group.
That’s a good idea. The biggest thing has been when I bring things up they don’t take me very seriously though. But, you’re right. It’s not good to be so focused on what to say or what is “right”. Thanks!
I’m glad you are finding encouragement here. However, face to face relationships are even better. Or thay should be anyway. Is there a study leader that you can share your feelings with? A bible study should be a place you can learn more about our Savior and His love for us. If you talk to the leader and nothing is resolved you might should think about changing groups. Be open to different age groups too. One of my closest and dearest friends is about 20 years older than me. I love her insight and wisdom.
Face to face relationships are even better. She Reads Truth is what pushed me to even find a study group at all. The group has fairly mixed ages, so there are a lot of perspectives brought in… but the less we’ve focused on the Word the harder it has been to really connect as a group at all. Up until they wouldn’t change a study that consistently brought on panic attacks & nightmares, I was so sure it was where God wanted me to be. It is discouraging, & finding another group wouldn’t be easy. But, I don’t know. I’ve been finding that the things I have discussed with the leader is written off, & I’m not entirely sure why. Thank you so much for your input. I will be (& already am) praying about these things.
I have replied to posts, but I don’t think I have posted until today. So many of you have shared such private thoughts and feelings it has encouraged me to do the same. This study has been encouraging to me, but the comments have been just as uplifting. I was abandoned by my husband of 20 years. He left about 4 years ago. In many ways time hasn’t made it easier. But reading about “peace to those who are far and those who are near” is just beautiful. For the past few years, I have felt so distant; I guess thinking that something is wrong with me. But I have to keep reminding myself that my Lord sees everything and loves me anyway. The reading in Isaiah 54, a couple of days ago, really captured my attention “For your husband is your maker, the Lord of hosts is his name…For the Lord has called you like a wife abandoned, grieved in spirit…For a brief,moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion and mercy I will gather you [to myself again].” (AMP) The Lord is my husband! I am not alone. He won’t abandon me! Thanks to everyone who has shared their private thoughts. You have all been such an encouragement to me!
You are on the right path my friend. God is so good. I will be praying for you this afternoon.
Terri, thank you for being brave and sharing with us! So grateful to have you in the SRT community.
– Stormye
Thanks for your openness, Terri. Praying many blessings upon you!
Peace to those who are far and to those who are near….this will be my verse to meditate on today ❤️
Thanks for your ministry in the word….love this study.
I can’t help but think of this hymn continually as I have walked through this…”I stand amazed in the presence of the Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned, unclean. How marvelous, how wonderful, and my song shall ever be…..Is my Savior’s love for me!
As I thought back on all that we’ve read in Isaiah so far, it’s amazing to see God’s continual pursuance of His people. We have probably all experienced being rejected at some point – in a relationship, a job application, a class – and the last thing I ever want to do after rejection is go back and pursue it again, risking rejection again with the sting of it still tender in my heart. Yet, God does it over and over and over again, not only with Israel but with US! I have pursued so many things besides Him over my lifetime but He never stops pursuing me. It’s honestly still a love I can’t grasp and don’t understand. But it’s a love I’m praying God will use to transform my life and use to teach me how to love.
This hit home because I didn’t grow in a Christian home either. Thanks for sharing your story.
Lord, I want more of your peace and more of your healing. More, Lord!
http://www.in-due-time.com
Ditto Caroline! Her story is so similar to mine…going sporadically as a child, feeling removed because I didn’t know the routines or how to find verses. But God is so good and placed some really amazing people in my life, so that when I was in my mid-twenties, I opened up and truly accepted the Lord. Deuteronomy 4:29 comes to mind and goes hand in hand with so many of the encouraging verses in Isaiah…He wants us, He is waiting for us, He beckons us to come…
I LOVE this section of Isaiah. I grew up in an environment much like you described, Kim. And because of this I asked God into my heart in elementary but then grew away from Him in my teen years. BUT he pursued me in the words of Isaiah through the music of Sufjan Stevens “The mountains and hills will burst into song before and the trees of the fields will clap their hands”. I reflect now, as an avid and thirsty believer, on how he guided and protected me in those years. our days don’t all reflect a well run life but NEAR or FAR Jesus pursues our hearts.