Exodus 1:8-2:10
When Jacob and all his family settled in the land of Egypt, they were given the land of Goshen in which to live because of gratitude on the part of the pharaoh to Joseph. Later after Jacob and Joseph have died a new king comes to Egypt who does not know or care about the legacy of Joseph. Instead, he is frightened by the presence of the Hebrew people and considers them as a potential threat if they should ally with Egypt’s enemies, so he enslaves them and seeks to annihilate them. When he decrees that all male children born to Hebrew women are to be drowned in the river, the midwives do not comply. One of them is placed in a basket and placed where the Pharaoh’s daughter will find him. She does and gives him back to his mother, unwittingly, to raise until he is weaned. Thus begins another saga in the Hebrew story of God’s plan being purposed by people without knowing it!
Psalm 124
This psalm begins with the question, “If they Lord had not been on our side . . .” and concludes with “Our help is in the name of the Lord!”
Where might we as the Body of Christ say the same?
Matthew 16:13-20
At Caesarea Philippi, an especially pagan area, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They answered with the names of a variety of folks, whom they had heard being affirmed as such. Then he asked them, “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answers that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus affirms that as truth, but also affirms that revelation came from God. He names him Peter, the rock on which he will build his Church over which the powers of the gates of Hades will no be able to overcome. He gives Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven! Wow! What affirmation and power. Compare this with Matthew 18:18.
Romans 12:1-8
Paul urges the Christians to live their lives in response to the grace and mercy that God has shown to us by not condemning us, but forgiving us of sin and giving us a ministry to share the good news. Paul calls us to live a life of living sacrifice noting that this is a spiritual act of worship. Paul cautions us to be humble and not prideful and by doing so to use the spiritual gifts given to each of us to better the world and prepare for the kingdom of God. He also urges us to be cheerful in whatever gift we have. Bah Humbug!!
Holy God, you affirm that each of us has spiritual gifts, not because we get it right, but because we belong to you. Teach us to joyfully use your gifts without doubting them. Amen.