Belonging, Behaving (Becoming), Believing.

Scripture:

Psalm 105:42-45

42 For he remembered his holy promise,

and Abraham, his servant.

43 So he brought his people out with joy,

his chosen ones with singing.

44 He gave them the lands of the nations,

and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples,

45 that they might keep his statutes

and observe his laws.

Praise the Lord!

Observation:

Psalm 105 has been tracing the sweeping stories of Genesis and Exodus, celebrating God at work through salvation-history to bring about the re-creation and redemption of the world. Too often we understand this divine mission as primarily concerned with our beliefs and behaviour. This error is born out of our sinful bent towards attempting to manufacture our own identities out of the building blocks of our actions and beliefs.

This Psalm (indeed the whole epic of salvation history) reminds us of a better way. This way prioritizes identity (belonging) over deeds or creeds. We are to remember that before Moses received the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai came the rescue of the people of God from slavery; and, before that exodus rescued Israel, God first created that people through a promise to Abraham.

Identity comes first. When who we are is clear, our thoughts and actions have a way of flowing naturally out of that essential centre.

Application:

I believe that we are all precious in the sight and vision of the Father. In the first case, we are beloved of our Creator and sustainer - labours of love. In the second case, we are precious because God has a vision for how we are to use our gifts to participate in the blessing and redeeming of all of creation. That is to say, God's plan is for each of us to fulfill the role of minister in service to God and neighbour. If we ignore or shirk this holy calling, then the divine kingdom will be poorer for it.

Today, I am reminded that no matter what I do (or fail to do); no matter what I believe (or lack in faith), my identity is secure. I have been adopted into God's family. As a child of God and an heir with Christ Jesus to the Kingdom of Heaven, I am never alone. I am part of an eternal community of loving justice and just love. Out of this is born a bold, brand of freedom.

Prayer:

Holy Three-in-One, thank you for your gracious, redemptive love. Thank you for your Gospel, which soothes the soul and resurrects us where the Law can only limit and kill us. Help me to be humble when that is what is needed to serve you. Teach me to be bold and confident in the real gifts, and calling you have invested in me when that is what is needed to serve you. Amen.