A friend from my bible study group called to inform that I needed to prepare for an upcoming session of praise and worship, with a testimony based on my learning from the study of Isaiah chapters 1-28 . Not having attended many classes there was not much I could contribute. All I remembered is that it was the prophecy of judgement, condemnation and restoration, first few chapters targeted at the enemies of Israel and then against Israel & Judah .
Wondering what I could speak about, there came to mind my experience of a few days ago. The married women in South India,wear a symbol of their martial status called the thali or the minnu, a consecrated pendant which the groom ties around the bride’s neck, during the wedding ceremony. It comes in various shapes, has much significance and amongst the Christians it is a tiny pendant with a Cross mounted on it.
Yesterday, I suddenly noticed my minnu was missing from my chain around my neck. The chain was intact the clasp firmly closed and yet the minnu was missing . The first emotion was disbelief, then came fear, followed by a disquiet that settled in, at this mysterious disappearance of this treasured pendant of much significance. Was it an ill omen, a sign of some impending danger to my family or me, did it spell disaster for my marriage of 37 years ?
Then began the frantic search to retrieve the pendant, to restore stability to my disturbed state of mind. I thought, if only I can find it, even the broken pieces, my family and my life would continue to remain safe and secure. Troubled by the thoughts of what could be the meaning of this strange occurrence, I spent a sleepless night . In the morning, our last study of Isaiah ch 28 verse 16 came to mind, reminding that my faith and trust should be in Jesus our foundation and not blessed amulets or totems .
Why was I so obsessed with finding the consecrated pendant, which no doubt had great sentimental value but can offer me no protection as so clearly described in Isaiah 28:20 ? Why had I been in such despair, when all I had to do was turn to the God Who consecrated the pendant, Who blessed my marriage, gave me a family and brought us thus far? Surely I need not rest my faith in religious rituals and attach great meaning to worldly beliefs, nor look for assurance in the created things, but rely on my Creator.
Once this dawned on me, quickly on its heels, came the verse of hope and restoration from Isaiah 1:18. My God has promised to forgive my sins, if I repent and return to Him and He will never leave me nor forsake me as long as I hold on to Him . In this knowledge I will rest through the thick and thin of my life .
Mary Jacob 