Midweek Moment

For those of you participating in our congregational Bible Challenge, our reading over the last several weeks has been, in a word, uncomfortable. There has been significant violence, more rules given than one cares to count, and rituals laid out that were very different than anything any of us have experienced. It is this part of Scripture that turns many people off to the idea of reading through it.

There are many reasons for this tendency. One reason is that we have moved away from a narrative style to a historical style. Another, is the violence. The blood being spilled on altars, being shed in battle, the number of battles that were undertaken, can at times make us uncomfortable or turn us off. Another reason I have heard, is the rules. So many rules.

I was in that boat this week. I had stopped reading the Challenge and was drudging through it. So I took a break, just a minute or two. I prayed for God to help me get through this, to restore my joy for reading Scripture. Immediately that prayer was answered. I was given a new perspective in which to read this part of Scripture. Love. I know that sounds simplistic, but bear with me.

Prior to their trek into the wilderness, the only life these people knew was as a slave. There were told when to sleep, when to eat, what to eat, and when to work. There was no freedom in their life whatsoever. They had control over nothing. Everything they did came from the wishes of another person. Up to this point, they never had to govern themselves, rule over themselves, or live together as a free people.

Now they are set free. Have you ever seen what sometimes happens to young adults that taste freedom those first years after they move away from home? It is almost too much. They make poor decisions, they waste their resources, and sometimes have to come home, embarrassed and hurt. Those feelings of safety, those rules of protection that they had at home are gone and when left to their own devices, cannot handle themselves.

I think that is a reason God laid out all of these laws and specific directives that we have been reading about in our Bible Challenge. God understood the danger and despair that may have come the Israelites way, had they suddenly been forced to live with unconditional freedom. God loved them so much, that he took care of all of that for them. We read in Joshua 1:8-9, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” He told how to act so they could learn how to live free, how to live together, how to be the people God wanted them to be.

Love. God took care of everything for these people so they could have a chance. All they needed to do was trust. How many times have we looked at what God has setup for us, only to go in a different direction...our direction. Trusting God is hard, but is always worth it.

So, next time you read a passage of Scripture that at first seems tedious, try looking for the love of God in that passage. Hopefully, that new perspective will bring some joy back to your endeavor.

Have a great week and I will see you Sunday!