March 7th - Reflection

Exodus 33:7-23 (NRSV)
Moses asks to see God's glory
Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp; he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp. Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise and stand, each of them, at the entrance of their tents and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent. When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses. When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise and bow down, all of them, at the entrance of their tent. Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then he would return to the camp; but his young assistant, Joshua son of Nun, would not leave the tent.

Moses said to the Lord, "See, you have said to me, 'Bring up this people'; but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, 'I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.' Now if I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people." He said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." And he said to him, "If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth."

The Lord said to Moses, "I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name." Moses said, "Show me your glory, I pray." And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, 'The Lord'; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But," he said, "you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live." And the Lord continued, "See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen."
Reflection
We really want God to be with us in this life. At least I know I want God to be with me. I especially want God by my side when I'm hurt, ill, emotionally pained, or in the midst of my sin. I need God to walk with me and lead me and guide me. I need God to take away the fear of choosing directions to take, or going through a dark moment in life. I need God by my side in my life.

Moses really wanted God to be in this "leadership" thing along with him. Even though the people had sinned and strayed from the path God had in mind, Moses needed God and wanted God. I wonder if this human need is what God is looking for out of us. God wants to be needed. God doesn't need to be needed, but when God sees the children reaching out in love for their Father's love, God always responds.

Now we have Jesus. Jesus a man who comes to the door and knocks. Jesus who reveals his face and emotion, his love and compassion and friendship. Jesus is God in flesh and walks every day with us. Walks in Spirit and in Word. As I reflect on the written Word, the Word revealed in the sacraments, and the spoken Word through other disciples and people God sends, I see Jesus. I see Jesus and hear him. I see Jesus and want to know my direction, my purpose, and his love. And I want to walk this life with Jesus.

Can Billy come out to play? Sure! Mom, I gotta go! I'll be back for supper! I'll have a few friends with me! OK? Bye!

Prayer
Lord, as you come to my door, I get excited. Lead me this day away from the trap of sin. Lead me and teach me to love others with the love and compassion you have. Show me your face while we play. --- Amen