God is a God of order. The first order of business is to remind creation that God is the only true God. Our God is the one who creates, saves, and redeems, who expects creation to respond to God’s goodness.
But we struggle to remember who God is and who we are called to be.
Instead, we cling to pieces of our past identities because what we know always seems more reliable than forging ahead without a detailed map. Despite story after story of God’s faithfulness, despite God becoming human in Christ, it is still not enough for us to remember why putting our future in God’s hands is a good idea. We want God on speed dial, ready to dole out whatever we imagine we need for our security. We want a “just add water” relationship with God, bypassing the wilderness spaces and uncertainties that come with authentic love. Walking by invitation and in loving faith is not for those who want to create gods who will abide by their own rules.
Thankfully, God knows who God is and chooses to remain present as we tenaciously cling to our old ways. When we forget who is God, God reminds us. The eternal God who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow invites us, God’s straying sheep, to live in the present in a way that honors God’s work in the past and God’s call to the future.
Enuma Okoro, of Durham, North Carolina, is the author of Reluctant Pilgrim and co-author of Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals.
[ October 2 ]
Gratitude or Entitlement?
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 80:7-15; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46
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