“Misappropriation?”

By Rev. Michael Stonhouse

Meditation – Sunday, January 9, 2022

Isaiah 43:1-7 (Forward, p. 72) CEV p. 736)

Much has been made in terms of negative press and social media coverage in recent years concerning the practice of some people, artists especially, using incorporating elements of ‘other peoples’ cultures into their own works—for instance, using traditional Haida First Nations motifs in their own compositions when they are not actually of Haida descent. Some of that is relatively straight-forward but what about more distant influences, say Celtic, Greek, Cretan or Etruscan? That’s a hard one.

Well, what about passages of Scripture that were obviously written for and directed at a different group of people than our own, and in a different time period? Is it right, is it appropriate, to claim them as also applying to ourselves in a far different time and place?

A good case in point is today’s passage from Isaiah. It was written to and for the descendants of Jacob, years and years ago, who were in a far different life situation that we are. So, can it also be said to apply to us as well? I ask this with a very personal reason in mind, namely because I have taken this passage to be my own life passage. So, I ask, is this legit?

I take it as applying to myself for several reasons. Number one: I see myself as being created by God and belonging to God no less than ancient Israel. Likewise, I see myself as being rescued, set free, called by name and belonging to Him, just as they did. And furthermore, I consider myself to be brought back home no less than they were, and in fact, ransomed in order to make that happen.

And, not only that, I see myself in grave danger at times, perhaps not literally by floods or fire, but morally and no less seriously. I see myself as being precious and valued in His sight, loved by Him, just as they were. And too, I see myself as also being created to bring honour and glory to God, just as was Israel.

So, is this appropriate, is it right, or is it a matter of misappropriation? I don’t think that it is the latter, and so, for now at least, I will apply it to myself, and take great comfort in it. And, likewise, see it as applying to others around me, to each of you. Hopefully, you will find it helpful as well. Amen.

Forward notes: “But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (verse 1).

“Our names say so much about our identity. The way we indicate the accents or elongate certain syllables can provide insight into our heritage and culture. Our names may have a deep meaning or a rich history, passed down from one generation to another.

“I am named after my grandmother, a woman of perseverance and honour. I have always felt it a privilege to be named so carefully after a great matriarch. At some point though, I began to feel overwhelmed, worried that I might never live up to my namesake.

“Today, I take great comfort in knowing that God calls me on a first-name basis. Each name is chosen and called by God because we are God’s creation. I don’t have to live into an image or expectation. I can rest in the power of knowing that God formed me, redeemed me, and called me by name to remind me that I am God’s.”

Moving Forward: “What does your name mean to you? If you are named in honour of someone, learn more about their story and legacy.”