!Hope
 --- 
agk's diary 
6 December 2025 @ 04:51 UTC
 --- 
written on GPD MicroPC
in chilly kitchen after Christmas concert
 --- 
Isaiah didn't equivocate,

| I hope He'll judge between the nations
| He'll probably arbitrate for many peoples;
| If we're lucky they'll beat their swords into
| plowshares....

Today's hope is stronger form.

 - Pregnancy against genocide.

 - Outsider campaign for public office.

 - Learning, becoming gentler.

 - Confidence in the future.

Matthew didn't mislead,

| Your confidence in the future'll be due to
| signs and rumors, slick talkers, mass panics,
| emotion-charged experiences, cowardice before
| persecution and lawlessness....

He wrote,

| Immediately after your suffering
| salvation comes;
| Keep alert,
| You can't know when redemption's getting close
| but you better be ready

Confidence in the future is living on tiptoe, "I
just can't wait!" like my child when her birthday
gets close.

Isaiah said,

| You should have turned back to God.
| You shouldn't have tried to ally with Egypt
| against Assyria.
| You'll be conquered,
| deported,
| enslaved.
| In darkness your confidence in the future'll grow
| You'll turn back to God,
| You'll be redeemed,
| restored.
| The glory to come's perceptible only to the humble

Them who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

I'm giddy with excitement.