All of us have heard of the absent-minded professor. I have a friend who is the full embodiment of the absent-minded professor. On one occasion he became so absorbed in a chess game that he failed to show up for his Contemporary Theology class. This professor's wife told of asking him to get her a couple of aspirin because of a splitting headache. He left to go retrieve the aspirin and water so she could find relief. When he returned a few minutes later, she inquired as to the aspirin and water. According to the story, the professor took the aspirin and drank the water. Story after story has been told about my friend's absentmindedness.  All of us at some time or another find ourselves bearing the burden of absentmindedness. 

Isaiah, in our lesson for today, gives us a picture of God whic…