The first four verses of Isaiah 42 are basic prophetic statements about the actions of the Savior here on this earth. For those that are looking forward verse 4 is particularly comforting; 4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth...

However it is verses 5 and 6 that hold my interest. The heavenly Father is specific in declaring that the Creator of the heavens and earth, giver of life: That very same person will I hold the hand of and keep when He is given for a covenant for the people.

It is a tender image of the Father's care for his Son Jesus. Hold the hand of and keep...


Isaiah 41: 10, 13, 14
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.


The same Father that said of his son, "I will hold His hand" says to each of us "I will hold your right hand". God promises the same care he gave his Son to each of us. Notice that He promises help to Jacob, and his Redeemer. We are not an afterthought. Though we are insignificant the Heavenly Father thinks of you.

I have a slightly rambling style of writing, but I do have a specific topic in mind and hope that this is thought provoking.

I know there are certain biochemical responses that happen beginning with the first fleeting caresses from someone you are attracted to, and reciprocating can strengthen those feelings. These chemicals are a significant factor in bonding and can push people closer emotionally.

But pushed beyond some point even touch from someone you loathe and want nothing to do with can start those same biochemical responses, and if carried on for long enough, can make one bonded to an aggressor. The news have carried enough stories of kidnapping victims speaking good about their kidnappers in spite of evidence that they have been treated poorly to show that bonding happens even if logically it shouldn't have.

I am of the opinion that true love is more than a potential emotional bond with someone you hate.

I have heard it said that someone convinced against their will is of the same opinion still. I've seen enough people want out of a relationship after that first honeymoon period is over and the biochemical relationship training wheels wear off to know there is some truth to that. Perhaps if the individual is not worthy of a relationship as seen without the rose colored glasses on it might have been well to avoid putting them on.

Ah, but there's the rub. You can start putting those rose colored glasses on by simply holding hands. And it is not easy to back off once you start since many of these biochemicals are the same or similar as those found in substances of addiction.

Do I want someone to love and to love me? With all my heart.

But I want to be sure we both have our minds made up about the other before we take these minds hostage with the biochemicals of love. The physical things can wait.