Israel’s difficult journey brought them together as a family of God’s people. The teachings of the Bible do not paint a fairy tale life of ease, but one in which God is present and working through our troubles with us. Grief, loss, fear, anger and hate try to tear us apart, as individuals and as a community. The wisdom of the teachings of the old prophets and Jesus are ones that call God’s people together, learning how to forgive, prosper and love. 

Today our wilderness is the frustration of fear and anger as we walk through a pandemic and the strong differences of how we survive together. A falling economy and loss of income and prosperity is a real threat. Old wounds of race have risen to pull us apart, increasing mistrust over understanding. It feels new, but it is not. All the social, economic ills and diseases we experience were present with the Israelites. The early Israelites learned the habit of living with God and community. They found a confidence and comfort in knowledge that the Lord was with them. Sunrise in the wilderness brings hope in the day to come. They learned the joy of living and celebrating life together. We also have this promise of hope, life and healing for our people. The people of Israel found comfort in the words of prophet Jeremiah, and so can we. 

Jeremiah 29: “¹¹ For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

May the Grace and Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Pastor Rick