Today's reading brought me to Joshua 3-4, and particularly
to the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan. It never ceases to amaze me how many accounts
in Scripture are parallel to one another, if not cyclical in nature. I was thinking of this, just the other day,
when I wrote about the feeding of the 5,000 followed by the feeding of the
4,000, and here it is again. This
crossing, although much different in context, certainly has some similarities
to the parting of the Red Sea.
I'm not sure it all comes together quite as neatly as I'm
pondering all of this in my head, but it's interesting, at least, to think
about the memorial that is set up once the Israelites have crossed over. Throughout history, it seems that humanity
needs outward signs set up as reminders.
I'm not sure we do an adequate job of returning to these places of
memorial. And by "we", I guess
I mean "I".
Today, from Common
Prayer, I read, "When I walk in darkness: Lord carry me
through". The Lord certainly
carried the Israelites. The Lord has
certainly carried me. And then, from the
Psalms, I read, "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who
walk in the light of your presence, Lord" (89:15, NIV). Well, that was thought provoking. If the Lord carries us, if we are in the
Lord's presence, can we really be walking in darkness? Maybe not.
But sometimes it sure seems dark.
I wouldn't suggest spending all of your time in reflection,
because living in the past, where we can no longer change things, is not the
best place to be. However, I think there
are times when reflection is telling and when remembrance is necessary. Today I am thinking about the many things in
my life that have seemed impossible and consuming, at the time, but that no
longer take up space in my head on a regular basis. I'm pretty sure that if the Lord carried me
through those times, the Lord can carry me through anything I am facing today
and anything I will face tomorrow. And
this goes for you, too. The Lord will
carry you.
L.
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