Midway through August, we are in the Eleventh week of the Season of Pentecost. The Psalms and readings this summer have helped us look at our call, God’s care and blessing, and how we listen to God. Last week we considered the Feast of the Transfiguration.
Today, we hear of Elijah fleeing from Jezebel and the disciples in a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Psalm 85 tells us God is speaking peace to his faithful people. In fact, we find that true in all the readings.
God meets us where we are. Even when we think we are running
away from God, like Elijah (1 Kings 19:9-18), God lovingly seeks us out. Elijah
has fled for his life to a cave, then the Lord came to him, saying, “What
are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah responds with a string of complaints,
to which God responds with fire, wind, and earthquake and then a still,
small voice. Elijah recognizes God’s voice and is told, Go, return on
your way to the wilderness of Damascus… This is probably the last thing
Elijah wants to hear, but he obeys. God meets Elijah in his despair and fear,
with encouragement.
In the Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33), we meet the disciples.
They are frightened by a storm, and then by the appearance of Jesus walking on
the water toward them. Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I;
do not be afraid.” Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come
to you on the water”…Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water,
and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became
frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus
immediately reached out his hand and caught him…
It is Peter, impetuous Peter, who wants Jesus to prove himself. Also, like many of us, he wants to prove to Jesus that he is courageous and obedient and faith-filled. Jesus invites him out of the boat, and saves him when fear gets the better of his valor. Jesus meets Peter where he is—brave and impetuous, and frightened. Jesus keeps him from drowning. Jesus catches us when we think we are sinking and are fearful.
The Epistle (Romans 10:5-15) reminds us that there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him…“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” God meets each and everyone where they are. It doesn’t matter what their nationality or doctrine. God is there with Good News.
Not only is God speaking peace, Psalm 85 says God is
offering salvation, righteousness, peace, and prosperity to those God meets.
God meets us where Human loyalty will reach up from the earth, and God's
righteousness will look down from heaven. In our concerns and joys, in our
fears and celebrations, in the everyday living and in times of change, God
meets us.
When was the last time you were met by God?
|
Psalm
85:8-13 8 I will listen
to what the Lord God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
and to those who turn their hearts to him. (Book of Common Prayer) |
I am
listening to what the Lord God is saying; he promises peace to us, his own
people, if we do not go back to our foolish ways. (Good News Translation) |
