Day 41 - Issue 26
Exodus 32:9-10 NLT
Then the Lord said, “I have seen how stubborn and rebellious these people are. Now leave me alone so my fierce anger can blaze against them, and I will destroy them. Then I will make you, Moses, into a great nation.”
Wow! That’s what sprang to mind when I came across this verse in our Oratory Lectionary reading. I must have read it many times but that night it literally leapt off the page. God was disappointed and angry – sounds all too human. God tells Moses to leave him alone with his anger, before he destroys his chosen people. Was I reassured that God got angry too? Or confused that a God of love could plan to destroy people he’d chosen?
It’s a challenge to face up to things we know are true but would prefer to ignore. Thomas Merton pointed out that God lies beyond language, for any word we use to describe God is limited by its failure to embrace other truths about him. So God is love but he is also judge. I think what happened that evening was a far deeper realisation of how far beyond human understanding God is. He cannot be constrained by human language.
God is invested in intimate love and acceptance while equally and concurrently acting as a judge. We deny the reality of God when we seek to limit or explain his characteristics, often to suit our own preferences. So we must admit defeat in seeking to comprehend him. The finite mind, created by God, cannot totally comprehend its creator.
All our approaches to God are, by definition, in faith. It is best to adopt an attitude of humility, the fruit of self-awareness. As I make my way to God, it’s in obedient response to his invitation. I approach with anticipation. Here I place my prayer before him. There remains a mystery beyond my comprehension and this is intercession.
QUESTION: What things would you rather remained hidden from the gaze of God?
PRAYER: Almighty God, thank you for your mercy towards your people in Christ Jesus.
