So the LORD relented in the punishment he had threatened to inflict on his people.
Whenever we’re tempted to quit and
start over, we should recall that story. Whether we’re talking about marriage
or family, overeating or smoking cessation, the results will be the same if we
only quit and start over.
Many Americans today will remember
our experience of fifteen years ago. Many will recall hearing the news; they
will remember “like yesterday” exactly what they were doing, where they were,
and how they responded.
Perhaps, after fifteen years, we will
also remember that nothing really changed on that day fifteen years ago. We were
already feeling very insecure; we had experienced major acts of terrorism in Oklahoma
City and New York City. The Trade Towers
had been attacked once before. The ancient conflict between Christianity and Islam
had already re-appeared in the Suez Canal crisis in the 1950’s, the appearance
of OPEC, the killing of Marines in Lebanon and President Reagan’s attempt to
kill Muammar Gaddafi in Libya.
Perhaps, after fifteen years, we can see
the big picture more clearly; we can remember the long story. Perhaps we’re
more ready to admit, retaliation only makes matters worse. It does not erase memories;
it quits nothing and starts nothing over.
Today’s passage from Exodus recalls
how the Lord threatened to quit the covenant with the Israelites and start over
with Moses as the new patriarch. He would be a new Abraham for a new nation. As
tempting as that might have been for Moses, he refused the offer. He pleaded
with God to remember the promises he had made to Abraham, Isaac and Israel,
that he would make their descendants “as numerous as the stars in the sky.”
Moses persisted and the Lord relented.
God has initiated a covenant with his people; and, although they are
chronically unfaithful to the covenant, they will not let him renege. The
Prophet simultaneously demands reform from the people and patience from God. The
human partner of God admits our frailty but remembers our history. There’s
no point in quitting and starting over for we’re always and inevitably the same
people.
When the prodigal son returned to his
father he promised nothing; he only admitted he does not deserve to be called “your
son.” The father did not suppose his son had changed. He only insisted, “Your
brother has returned and we have to celebrate.”
Perhaps the older son had supposed that story was over. Perhaps he thought, "The kid is gone; he was never good for much in the first place. Good riddance!" But– as anyone who watches soap operas can tell you – stories are never finished. Chapters may end but the story continues.
Perhaps the older son had supposed that story was over. Perhaps he thought, "The kid is gone; he was never good for much in the first place. Good riddance!" But– as anyone who watches soap operas can tell you – stories are never finished. Chapters may end but the story continues.
Reconciliation quits nothing and
forgets nothing, but it does restart from where we left off. “Your brother has
returned. Perhaps he has learned something in the meanwhile; perhaps he will
bring that experience home with him. Perhaps the pigs taught him how to work. In
any case he is your brother; you cannot cut him out of your life.”
Jesus insists we must strive to enter life
through the narrow gate of reconciliation. "If your brother sins against you, forgive him seventy times seven time!" Passing through the narrow gate we tread
the slender path of communion. God does not permit us to quit, nor can we permit God
to abandon us.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.