Monday 29 July 2024

Psalm 28:1-2, 6-9

Background
Yesterday’s reading was about an abundance of food, but today’s reading is about a people who had experienced famine. God had provided for them in the wilderness, giving the mysterious ‘manna’ and quails, and providing miraculous fresh water. (Exodus 16:1-19)

The people continued to tramp through the inhospitable countryside after leaving Egypt. Their ancestors had gone there in the first place because they, too, were experiencing famine but there was food to be bought in Egypt. Four centuries later, having become an enslaved people, they were led out of slavery by Moses, who had been called by God to set the people free and lead them to the land that had been promised to their ancestor Abraham. Having been in slavery, with everything decided for them and little time for anything but heavy labour, they were probably quite an unruly bunch once they were free. Moses certainly had trouble keeping them in order.

In our reading today we see Moses mediating between the people and God, who dwelt on the mountain and who was not to be trifled with. Only Moses could approach God. He returned with messages that were challenging but also encouraging. The people were invited to commit themselves to the God of their ancestors, and they would then become God’s treasured possession.

It was not safe for the people to approach the holy place directly. God’s presence was too much for them. However, ‘on the third day’ God came close, in thunder and lightning and thick cloud (vs 9-19), which must have been formidable. Contrast that with Mary’s encounter with the risen Jesus in the garden ‘on the third day’ after he died, his tender voice addressing her by name. (John 20:11-18)

To Ponder:

• Do you think that we have become too familiar with God? Are we less aware of God’s awesome holiness?
• Are you comfortable with the idea of an intermediary who represents the people to God and vice versa, or is your interaction with God more direct and personal, like Mary’s encounter?

Prayer
Holy God, beyond our imagining, hidden in mystery, shrouded in complexity, we wonder at the way you reach out to us through people, events and more intimate encounters, calling us by name and assuring us that we are your treasured possession. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Pamela Cram
Pamela worked in several circuits and ecumenical posts in Wales before retiring in the Swansea Valley, where she is involved in a non-denominational community project; a church partnership with a Welsh independent church; and action for Fairtrade.