Through the Bible in one year - Day 78

Recounting the deeds of God's saving works to the people of Israel - and how often they forget once the moment has passed! We (I) need to heed this-and to tell the next generation of His saving works. I need to tell them as much for them as for myself; I need to remember for my own faith walk.

I spoke with someone yesterday who is struggling with a tragic loss, and the folks around him offer platitudes-but no comfort. How like Job's wife we can be when she told him "curse God and die." How much better we would do if we recounted and remembered God's grace-and then acted in His love as agents of that grace. Sometimes what it takes is just to be there, and to listen.

And, as for our listening to God and following His commands, let us not be like the forgetful and rebellious generation - - let us instead recount all He has done for us, even if those things were in our past, in hopes that when He acts again on our behalf we will recognize it.

The reading from Exodus echoes this last thought - remember what God has done and be prepared when He acts again. Verse 33 says this:

"They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.”

How often do the snares of this world get our attention so that we forget God's law and His promises? I know I need to be watchful.

I read Romans 14 differently today. I saw in it reference to Lenten observances - or observances of Holy Days. How in one tradition or another each thinks some other person wrong-headed and 'passes judgment.' In this passage I see that if it is done for the glory of God we are not to judge, just be careful not to destroy the work God has begun in them. And going back to my thoughts from yesterday, if someone is struggling, welcome them don't quarrel with them (verse1). I pray I can do as Paul suggests here and proceed with faith, so as not to sin.

Today’s readings: Psalm 78, Exodus 23:10-33, Nehemiah 4, Romans 14