Rumor Has It

In Isaiah 40:21-31, the prophet Isaiah is encouraging the people of Israel as they are given the opportunity to return to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. Many of the people have felt abandoned by God, and question if God will be with them as they return home. On top of that, home has changed. The people of Israel have much to fear. Isaiah implores them to remember who God is and all that God has brought them through.

27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. (Isaiah 40:27-29)

In Mark 1:29-39, when Jesus leaves the synagogue, after healing a demon-possessed man, he heads to the home of Simon Peter and Andrew. When he arrives, accompanied by brothers James and John, Jesus finds Peter's mother-in-law sick with a fever. He takes her by the hand and helps her up. She is immediately restored and she begins serving them. Meanwhile, word has spread about this healer, Jesus, and so many have come to be healed that this gospel records:

And the whole city was gathered around the door. (Mark 1:33)

Don't you know? Haven't you heard?

The God who brought your through dark nights

Will lead you into brighter days.

Don't you know? Haven't you heard?

Nothing is too hard for God.

In the palm of the Almighty

You will find refuge and strength.

Don't you know? Haven't you heard?

Taking you by the hand,

God will lead you into new life.

30 Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted;31 but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:30-31)