Exodus – Chapter 4 -6/Psalm 18:21-50/Matthew 19
As we read Psalm 18: 21-50, we come to a point where we wonder if we can really makes some of those words part of our prayer. From verse 37 to verse 42, especially we struggle to associate such statements with the gospel of love and forgiveness that our Lord proclaimed. This is a legitimate concern, however as we stand as God’s people in a pilgrimage towards a more perfect understanding of God’s will for us, we discover that we too, even as beneficiaries of Jesus epiphany still struggle with the depth and mystery of love. In his first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13, verse 12, Apostle Paul states “at present we see in distinctly, as in a mirror but then face to face. At present, I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.”
The children of Israel endeavored to walk in obedience with God, they enjoyed great victories over their enemies but did not yet understand that God also loves their enemies even if their deliverance is from that same God.
In Matthew’s gospel, chapter 19, Jesus said to those who state that Moses gave them permission to divorce, “Moses did so because of the hardness of your heart.” In other words, you were not really ready for that greater level of forgiveness, it would take them more walking with the Lord to grasp the message fully. Moses, for instance, dealing with a people who could be convinced only by the spectacular, had to perform the miracle of the staff changed into a snake. (Exodus 4:3-5) In spite of this, even Moses would hesitate to go to Pharaoh as God had ordered him using the pretext of his language impediment and other limitations.
As we walk with God, our faith sometimes falters and we think more about our limitations than God’s power to change water into wine; to calm the storm of our lives.
Let us continue to walk on the path that our ancestors have tread coming closer and closer to the marvelous light that “leads us amidst the encircling gloom” and pray in the words of this old hymn, “Lead thou my feet. I do not ask to see the distant scene. One step enough for me.” (Hymn Ancient and Modern)
The Venerable J. Fritz Bazin, D. Min.
Archdeacon for Immigration and Social Justice Ministries
Diocese of Southeast Florida
As we read Psalm 18: 21-50, we come to a point where we wonder if we can really makes some of those words part of our prayer. From verse 37 to verse 42, especially we struggle to associate such statements with the gospel of love and forgiveness that our Lord proclaimed. This is a legitimate concern, however as we stand as God’s people in a pilgrimage towards a more perfect understanding of God’s will for us, we discover that we too, even as beneficiaries of Jesus epiphany still struggle with the depth and mystery of love. In his first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13, verse 12, Apostle Paul states “at present we see in distinctly, as in a mirror but then face to face. At present, I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.”
The children of Israel endeavored to walk in obedience with God, they enjoyed great victories over their enemies but did not yet understand that God also loves their enemies even if their deliverance is from that same God.
In Matthew’s gospel, chapter 19, Jesus said to those who state that Moses gave them permission to divorce, “Moses did so because of the hardness of your heart.” In other words, you were not really ready for that greater level of forgiveness, it would take them more walking with the Lord to grasp the message fully. Moses, for instance, dealing with a people who could be convinced only by the spectacular, had to perform the miracle of the staff changed into a snake. (Exodus 4:3-5) In spite of this, even Moses would hesitate to go to Pharaoh as God had ordered him using the pretext of his language impediment and other limitations.
As we walk with God, our faith sometimes falters and we think more about our limitations than God’s power to change water into wine; to calm the storm of our lives.
Let us continue to walk on the path that our ancestors have tread coming closer and closer to the marvelous light that “leads us amidst the encircling gloom” and pray in the words of this old hymn, “Lead thou my feet. I do not ask to see the distant scene. One step enough for me.” (Hymn Ancient and Modern)
The Venerable J. Fritz Bazin, D. Min.
Archdeacon for Immigration and Social Justice Ministries
Diocese of Southeast Florida
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