November 28, 2024

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” (Isaiah 2.5)

REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

In case you believe that God favors the descendants of Abraham above all other peoples of the world, let me assure you nothing is further from the truth. Yahweh Elohim is the God of every person. He has known them before they were formed in the womb as much as it was declared for Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1.5). In Psalm 139 (verses 13-14) we read “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful. I know that full well.” In the epistle written to the Church of Ephesus, they (and we) are reminded: “For He chose us in Him (Christ Jesus) before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” So why so much attention given in the story of God’s revealing Himself to the world through the people who would be called Israel, the descendants of Jacob? Is it because of the contrast of “great and small” which is prevalent within their story as it is ours to show the true relationship with God? Is it the way of saying, as it is sometimes taught even by Jesus “As you have done it to the least of these, so you have done it to Me!” (Matthew 25.40)? Indeed, if God can choose the small things to make big points, then no one is beyond His purview. Nor are they, nor we, beyond God’s opportunity to manifest authentic greatness in all the world. Stop for a minute and consider the tenor of what has just been proposed. I can’t even begin to describe the “small to great” comparison of planet Earth to the entire cosmos. But, I can now imagine that as God has done, is doing and will do with those who dwell on earth so it is a witness to the greater cosmos among billions and billions of stars. Who is looking?

Those around us are looking. Even if they deny it or pretend they are not, they are looking. They are looking comparatively with an eye on what we say, what we do and the measure of authenticity which holds our words and actions together. They are looking for some recognition of themselves. Either they desire affirmation in our words and actions for their choices, right or wrong, or to see if we will be critical and judgmental for those very choices. It is a watchful eye for inclusion or exclusion. Strangely, they are focusing their whole attention on the message we present as believers in God and followers of Christ Jesus. If their eyes are on us, then so are the rest of their senses. Okay, maybe the exception would be those moms with “eyes in the back of their heads”! Seriously, however, it is true. They are looking at the whole of our witness and judging the greater principle of “fearing God” with every look. They will make their decision to “fear God,” that is to be afraid of a God who holds judgment in His Hand without mercy as if He remains angry regardless. Or, they will make their decision to “fear God,” that is to be in awe and humility not only for all that He has done in bringing “all this” into being (which scientists will never be able to replicate because they will never work from a blank slate) but for His desire to make it possible for humans and the Divine to be in right relationship and reach their perfect healing. Trust me, mighty ones of God, just as we know that “all have sinned and fallen short,” all are looking for the healing of their broken lives. If we look at others with this kind of sensitivity, then the truth of Jesus Christ will be realized by more and more. Being able to create the dialogue of what a person is truly looking for in the midst of their choices allows us who are more connected with “the Way, the Truth and the Life” to imagine what that healing would look like for them. You see, “Before they were born so was the answer to their prayers already made known.” And if it was known before we were born then we are not the author of that answer/those answers, but God alone is. As in faith, we can say “Jesus is that answer!” That is what others are looking for; that answer.

God is looking. God doesn’t miss a single detail of our day. I can only say it is true. I cannot imagine how it is true. We attempt to imagine it and through that pursuit we have created all kinds of technology and machines and mindsets to accommodate the search for such revelation and realization as to “How does He do that?” The recognition of the omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent God who answers to no other power is an act of faith. It also takes great faith to deny it. In denying the existence of that God throws us back into chaos. That simple fact would explain why we are in a world so filled with chaos. Even when we know the ordering is present and available and sufficient, because it requires submission and accountability, the choice would seem to be to “remain in chaos.” Not only does God see that but He has already seen it. He has already seen the myriads of solutions to the problems we create for ourselves and others. It takes that simple act of trust in Him for the lights to turn green so that we move forward on the avenues of life upon which we journey. Doesn’t it feel good to get all “green lights”? Doesn’t it create consternation when we experience those who take their own situation in their own hands and turn red lights and yellow lights into green lights? They do it because they have no fear of accountability. They do it because they have no sense of trust and collaboration. They do it because they believe “no one is looking” and even if they do “it doesn’t matter.” That is a pretty good explanation for “what is chaos.” Someone is looking. It does matter. There is an accountability. There is value in trust and accountability, and it begins with each one of us going first. We can go first because He already did. Our going first honors God and pleases Him. That very truth gives hope and fulfillment to our lives.

So why Israel? So why the Church? Because someone has to walk the walk and talk the talk. We each are created for a specific purpose. We each are commissioned to communicate meaning and viability. We each are fitted to connect with another and another and another until we are one with the significant, the most significant, Other. If God didn’t care about the world (that is, the people who on earth do dwell), then He wouldn’t gone to the effort to 1) let us live and 2) save us from the choices we have made which are contrary to authentic living. He has demonstrated that through those He has called “His People.” They were intended to bear His name not as an exclusive right but as an inclusive opportunity. And those who recognize that truth become a part of “His People,” too. They are, we are, included in the opportunity to worship and serve with God as life was meant to be and intended to do. That is why in the heart of that “betwixt and between” reflected upon yesterday for what had been done and what was about to be done, we read today’s verse “Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” It is the invitation for each of us to join together in living out the truth so that the truth will be known throughout the world. That is something we ought to be thankful for.

TODAY’S PRAYER IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD:

Father, before we were conceived in the womb, You had already formed us in Your love and by Your Spirit brought us into being. Each one of us is blessed with the opportunity of doing right, being good and producing the fruit of the Spirit in order that others be fed the truth of that same love so that the two will become one. It is our soul’s sincere desire to embrace the oneness You have in mind so we would know we are Your people and You are our God. Lead us in that discovery of the truth and the manifestation of that love for us all. In Jesus’ name, we pray. AMEN.