Today’s reading from Isaiah 45 includes this verse, “. . . the Lord who . . . formed the earth . . . did not create it in vain.” We discover and learn to appreciate God’s purpose in creation when we walk as He directs us, which Paul urges in the reading from Ephesians 4 and 5:
4:1 . . . walk worthy of (consistent with) the calling with which you were called . . .
4:17 . . . walk no longer like the Gentiles in the futility of their minds . . .
5:2 . . . walk in love (sacrificing everything for the other) . . .
5:8 . . . walk as children of light . . .
5:15 . . . walk circumspectly (paying attention to what’s going on around you) . . .
Notice that Paul says, “walk,” not “live” as some English translations say. “Walk” suggests activity, purpose, and destination. Everyone knows that walking is good for us, especially if we walk the path of life which God has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10).