Reflection for March 26, 2021
 
This week we’re looking at “The Promised Land”, found in Deuteronomy 34.  You can read up on it here:  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2034&version=NIV
 
I’m going to be honest. I’m working through Holy Week, and so I have the death of Jesus at the forefront of my mind while I write this.  As I think of the death of Moses, the COVID-19 pandemic and Jesus’ dying on the cross, it got me to thinking… what if Moses lived and died in our time and within our traditions and rituals? 
 
What are the traditions and rituals that you hold onto when someone passes away?  In general, I think of a family gathering at the funeral home, planning a memorial or funeral service.  They’re choosing readings and people to speak, songs, flowers and more.  And they have to create an obituary.  I wonder who would have wrote Moses’ obituary.  I wonder what it would have said about him.  In some ways, the stories of the bible could give us insight to seeing what we might have wrote about him if it were a task given to us. 
 
But let’s take this to another level.  What if God was to plan all funerals? What important pieces of his life would be included? Where would the recommendations for donations go? Would the service be in a church, the desert, a funeral home? Who would speak? What songs would they sing? What would God write about Moses in the obituary?
 
It gets me to wondering what God would have written in an obituary about some of our loved ones who have passed away. I also wonder what God would have written about our most faithful Christians who made quite an impact on our faith. I wonder what God will write about us… and what would we want God to write about us.  Over Holy Week, I’ll be taking a little time to reflect on this – journalling through what I hope God would write about me at the end of my days assuming I have lots of years left to improve.  On another day, what God might write about me if God was to show me what might have been written if it was to be published today.  On a third day, I may reflect on the difference between the two and make some goals to do better for God.
 
Here’s a song for us to sit with today: “Angels Among Us” by Alabama
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_4Xfj2LRSA&feature=youtu.be
 
Will you pray with me? 
Creating God, we thank you for all those who live among us who are living out their callings.  Those callings may be lifelong callings or a calling they hear in a moment to help direct or change someone’s life.  We thank you for Moses and how he was called to change the lives of the Israelites in what was their darkest hour.  Thank you for sharing his story with us so that we can learn from it in many ways through many generations. Help us to hear you calling us. Help us to have the courage to ask you questions, to share our doubts, and to trust you.  Surround us with angels who can help us through whatever we go through and to be angels who do the same for others.  Bless us in your name. Amen.

This week we’re looking at “The Promised Land”, found in Deuteronomy 34.  You can read up on it here:  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2034&version=NIV
 
Our reading continues the story of Moses.  Moses brought the people out of Egypt. Then they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.  When they were hungry, manna and quails were provided by God. When they were thirsty, Moses hit his stick on a rock and water emerged. When they arrived to the land God promised Sarah and Abraham, God took Moses to Mount Nebo to see the Promised Land. Then Moses died.
 
Moses never made it to the Promised Land and it is said that taking the Israelites there wasn’t his task.  His main task was to free the Israelites from the Egyptians and lead them elsewhere.  He brought them the Ten Commandments. Provided for them what they needed, with God’s help.  Some would say he never finished the job where others might say he did what he was called to do and it was time for another leader to take them further. Fortunately, he was rewarded by God in seeing the Promised Land from afar. 
 
Have you ever had something you were working on, only to learn that you would not be the one finishing it up or closing it off?  It sparks a theme of humility.  In the context of work, the expectation that you may not be the finisher/closer of a piece of work may exist. But in life, things are a little different.  You may walk with someone through their pain and then help get them set up with professional care for the bigger part of their work. You may drive someone to a destination not knowing what they’ll do when they get there.  You may give someone on the street a couple of dollars and not know what they’ll really do with it.  Humility and trust… that we do our part and give the rest of it to God. 
 
It reminds me of Tim McGraw’s song, “Humble and Kind”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb_qGChk0GI
 
A prayer for us today:
God, it feels like we’re climbing mountains some days and that the return to normal life is close at hand, yet still so far away.  Help us to do our part, which may be as simple as being vaccinated against COVID-19.  Then we will put on humility and trust in hopes that all the things we’re doing will make the difference so we can gather once more.  Also help us to recognize the skill sets we have and our own personal limitations, giving us encouragement and permission to delegate tasks that may be beyond us, or to delegate so that we can rest and reflect on how far we’ve come.  Continue to walk with us, guiding us on the path of love, hope, and mercy.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 

This week we’re reflecting on The Ten Commandments.  You can read about it here:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2020%3A1-17&version=NIV
 
Have you ever looked at the 10 Commandments within something that you do in your life?  There’s a post at hockeyministries.org (https://www.hockeyministries.org/home-ice/blog/questions-for-hockey-players-from-the-10-commandments/)  that caught my interest and it gets me thinking a little more and offered their framework to give us something to think about.  Firstly, think about something you do a lot – be it work, chores, caring for others, sleeping, eating, etc.  With that in mind, ponder the questions associated with each commandment. 
 
#1 & #2 - You shall have no other gods or image before me.
    Has ‘my thing’ or desiring to be the best ‘within my thing’ taken first place in my heart?
    Have I trusted myself or something else over God?
 
#3 - You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
    How do I talk about God within the parameters of ‘my thing’? With others?
    What do I say when I have a bad day or make a mistake?
 
#4 - Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
    Would I be willing to taking part in ‘my thing’ if I felt I needed to set aside a time for God?
    Is spending a day with God sound boring when compared to spending a day doing ‘my thing’?
 
#5 - Honor your Father and Mother
    Have I thanked my mom or dad for the things they have done for me in my life?
    When do I pray for my parents?
    Do I treat my parents as if they are God’s representatives to me?
 
#6 - You shall not murder
    When do I get angry with others?
    Are my words harmful to anyone?
    Have I helped others instead of hoped for their destruction?
 
#7 - You shall not commit adultery
    Do I strive to live a life reflecting the purity of God?
    What kind of speech am I taking part of in all areas of my life?
 
#8 - You shall not steal
    Am I discontent with the things God has given me?
    Have I ever claimed credit for something I shouldn’t have?
    Have I been lazy, and not being faithful with God’s time?
 
#9 - You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor
    Have I talked poorly about anyone behind their back?
    What do I say about those who I disagree with?
    Do I look for the bad in others around me or the good?
 
#10 - You shall not covet
    Do I think constantly about the things other have within ‘my thing’, but others do?
    Am I jealous of the success of others?
    Have I become bitter because I don’t have the skills someone else has?
 
A video for today: “God Will Take Care of You” by Rosemary Siemens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI4Opq7P8IM
 
Today’s prayer: 
God, you call us to follow and obey your commandments as we live out our lives. Help us to clearly see why and to see where we can improve in living them out purely.  Where injustices and inequity separate us from others and if we begin to think we need to break a commandment to survive, help us to reach out to others so they can have the opportunity to serve us and to show us that we have the support of others. May we feel your grace, forgiveness and compassion surround us when we stray from your commands and help us to refocus on you and our community.  God, grant us peace and comfort when we feel challenged.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

This week we’re reflecting on The Ten Commandments.  You can read about it here:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2020%3A1-17&version=NIV
 
Let’s think about the first five commandments today.  In summary:

1. I am the Lord thy God;
   
2. No other gods before me;
   
3. No graven images or likenesses;
   
4. Not take the Lord’s name in vain;
   
5. Remember the sabbath day
   

 
The first five commandments are about our relationship with God.  A covenant of what God expects of us, if you will.  Personally, the first four commandments are fairly easy. It’s the last one that’s the hardest.  Before the pandemic, things were open and accessible almost 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which means we could get just about anything done at anytime. This is beneficial especially for folks who work shift work or flex hours.  Since the pandemic, however, I’m finding stores are closed a little earlier and some that were open 24 hours a day now close for 6-8 hours through the night.  Community sports were happening day, night and weekends, meaning we had to work our employment, studies, and church life around recreational schedules. I’m very thankful that we can offer church online now, being able to satisfy our spiritual needs at a time that works best for us, even as things return to normal.  Though, I am concerned that we won’t take a sabbath. 
 
That one day of rest is not just about our relationship with God, but it’s to restore and renew ourselves for the new week that’s coming.  In some cultures, one day of rest means exactly that. No cooking or cleaning. No reading or playing. No singing. Nothing.  It’s time to rest your body, mind and soul.  For other cultures, it’s about going to church and visiting with friends and sharing a meal with family. 
 
I wonder what has been the tradition through your ancestral lines about the sabbath?  I wonder how you observe the sabbath?  Or do you struggle with setting a full day aside? Take time to define or redefine what sabbath looks like for you, in a feasible way and see if you can make it happen, especially if you haven’t been able to. 
 
Today’s video is a song titled “Sabbath Rest” (We Set Our Work Aside) as sung by a group in the Netherlands:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xc2j1HHQ8g
 
We set our work aside. We leave our cares behind, on this day of Sabbath rest.
On this holy day, we come to give You praise, on this day of Sabbath rest.
 
Sabbath rest. Holy rest, on this day He set aside, hallowed, blessed and sanctified;
Sabbath rest, holy rest, out of all the week the best, we have come to be blessed,
On this day of Sabbath rest.
 
A prayer for today:
Creating God, we thank you for the gift of life and all the blessings that come with it. We give thanks for family and friends, for food and shelter, for purpose and meaning in our lives. We give thanks for our calling, employment, education and so much more.  Help us, O God, to find time to rest our bodies and souls. Help us to make the time to quiet the chaos that may surround us or be within us, for just one day a week.  Help us to be mindful that our connection to you can be easily reset from just one day of rest each week.  Be with us as we challenge ourselves to make this happen.  And help us to be graceful and patient with ourselves if this is something new we’re doing for ourselves. Be with us this day and all our days to come. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

This week we’re looking at the story of the Exodus which can be found in Exodus chapters 14 and 15.  You can read it here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2014-15&version=NIV
 
Moses was directed by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into a better place after seeing their suffering at the hands of harsh slave masters.  God knew the hearts of the Egyptians and the hearts of the Israelites and it was time to free the Israelites. 
 
This is where Moses parts the Red Sea and the people walk through to safety on dry land. The Egyptians that pursued them were unsuccessful in following them as the waters swarmed them and took their lives.
 
I wondered if there are exodus stories in today’s time.  And I think of the refugees that long to escape war-torn countries, or those who have been held captive and finally got free and want to flee to a safer place. As we hear the news of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah, some may consider that a type of exodus story.  In our most recent history, the underground railroad is an exodus story that we may be able to historically connect to our own family roots. 
 
Where is the nearest underground railroad to where you live (or where you grew up)?  Is there a history that you can read about on it?  Do you have family connections to the history?
 
How can we use the exodus story in our own lives today?  I will be offering prayers of gratitude for God for the security, freedom and safety of my life here.  I will be offering prayers of concern and support for those who long to be free and secure around the world.  I will be reflecting on personal relationships and my own character while praying for God to show me ways I may be preventing/not hearing a call to help people from being free and secure and safe in their lives.
 
How is life during the pandemic related to this story for you?
 
A video for us today is a fun one – a song that a number of us may have learned in our youthful years about the story of Moses “Pharaoh, Pharaoh”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06KmoC6bJwQ&t=48s
 
Today’s prayer:
Supporting and loving God, thank you for the story of the exodus and for Moses’ leadership. Thank you for a story that gives us an example of how, if we trust in you, you can lead us out of dark and desperate times and places.  Thank you for a story that gives us an example that you continue to call us – average people living in an average world – to things that make a difference.  Help us to find you in all things, in all places, and in all experiences, no matter how good or bad they may be.  Help our hearts to be free of negativity today as we start a new week living out your calling for us.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

This week we’re looking at the call of Moses, as found in Exodus 3:1-15. You can read the story here:  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%203%3A1-15&version=NIV
 
Today I want us to imagine a similar encounter with God.  In this story, God tells Moses not to come any closer and to take his sandals off for he is on holy ground. Then we read that Moses “hid his face” as he was afraid to look at God. It was believed that one could not look directly at God and then live.  And it is very possible that Moses bowed before God, which would also hide his face.  Would you be afraid to look at God? What if it meant that this would be the last moment of your earthly life? I am so curious of what God looks like. I am curious on what God smells like and the energy God gives off in a very direct and close encounter. And in this conversation between Moses and God, the focus remains on God calling Moses to something.  Moses really didn’t get the chance to ask questions (like, what is the meaning of life, etc.).  Moses focused on what he was to do and what questions may arise and what answers God may be able to give him.  I wonder if I would be of the same mindset – stick to the experience and what is happening in the moment, or if I would have a Rockstar moment and freeze, stumbling over any words, in awe of what is happening.  It never says that Moses paused to analyze the burning bush.  But would you?  How long would it take for you to get closer to it?
Today, look for something unusual in the world and think about how God could use that ‘something’ to call someone.  Also take a moment to chat with God your own encounters with the divine.
 
A video for the day: Here I Am Lord (I the Lord of Sea and Sky)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSODPhE-0ng
 
A prayer for us today:
O Holy One, thank you for the holy ground we walk on and for your active love in our lives. Thank you for caring for us and for the encounters with the divine throughout our lives. Help us to find you in usual and unusual ways and to come to you with the hard questions of this life that we have for you. May we remember that you are not far away and always there to answer our questions if we are willing to listen and to wait for the answers to come.  Be with us this day and all our days to come. Amen.