Today, if You Hear God's Voice

 I am still dwelling in the words from the author of Hebrews we heard on June 23. In particular the phrases: "Today, if you hear God's voice..." and "...as long as it is called 'today'...". There is something so hope filled in being reminded about how our God meets us specifically in this day. It is here and now that God promises to be fully present with us. It is with this reality that the author of Hebrews feels bold to call us to enter into God's rest.

I read an unrelated article by Heather Cox Richardson where she articulates the idea that "reality is undermining the political power of the mythological image of the American cowboy." I think reality is also undermining the mythology that if you just work hard enough and long enough you will achieve riches and comfort. We have to be careful buying into such mythologies, especially when they move us away from God's preferred future for us. We are not detached individuals who can achieve without others and we are not machines with unlimited energy.

"Today if you hear God's voice do not harden your hearts."

God calls us to rest exactly because God knows our limitations. God created us and therefore knows our very natures, so when God says we need to rest, we should listen. And when God says that there is enough, then we should open our eyes to the abundance around us. If God tells us we are enough, then we should believe that, too.

As long as t is called "today" we have hope that our lives have worth, and that our lives deserve rest, and that our God meets us right here right now. As long as it is called "today" let us encourage each other with words of rest and life and joy.

As Jesus taught us: The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath. Mark 2:27-28

My friends, find joy in what God has given you and enter God's rest. In doing so, you honor the life God has given you.

I will continue to reflect on these words as I begin my sabbatical. I will also pray for you all as I hope you will pray for me. When we come back together in October may it be with joy and fascination in what God is doing amongst us.

Peace.