Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The LORD called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the LORD, and my reward with my God.” And now the LORD says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and my God has become my strength—he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:1-6
Dear Auntie,
These dreams of mine are overwhelming me and it feels as if the Lord is speaking directly to me. I was sitting listening to Papa read from the Scriptures as we lit our candles. I heard the words of the prophet as if they were for me - to listen. And I must have looked quite peculiar, as Mama asked me if I was all right. I was feeling a bit sick to my stomach, surely just something I ate earlier in the day. And I was overwhelmed, as if the voice came for me alone. I told her I was fine, just a little tired. We finished our prayers and I excused myself and went to bed. Mama came in and checked on me and I assured her all was well, even though I knew all was not well.
In my dream last night, and I think it was a dream, I saw a mighty angel, shining bright and looking right at me. He came closer to me and called me by my name. He told me the Lord was pleased with me and had chosen me! Can you imagine? And that's when it got scary. He told me I was to bear the long awaited Messiah. Me?? I heard myself tell the angel how honored I was and how I would do whatever Yahweh asked. I was a exciting and movingly real dream. And to top it off, the angel told me you were with child! How silly a dream this was!
How can any of this be real? I haven't been with a man, don't know much about anything. And you, my dear Elizabeth, are long past the age of conception. I hope that doesn't hurt your feelings, but let's get real here. I woke up this morning, feeling very sick. I thought I better write to you and see how you are. You always have wise counsel and never make fun of me. I am so scared and so confused. Please write back and tell me what I should do.
love,
Mary
No comments:
Post a Comment