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In today’s first reading we hear of people who are taking life and faith very seriously.

After a camping trek lasting forty years through Middle-Eastern desert, Moses and his followers reached the point where they could look down on the promised land and were ready to descend from the high ground to cross the Jordan and enter their God-given home.

However at the end of the third chapter of Deuteronomy, immediately preceding today’s fourth chapter first reading, Moses is reminded by God that because of his earlier lack of trust he will not be permitted to enter the land.

Serious business.

My hesitancy to trust the promises of God has consequences.

While Moses is not happy about this, angry at God and blaming the people, he seems to shift very quickly, not dwelling in anger but learning from his earlier mistakes and turning with even greater-than-before respect of God to speak seriously and positively to the people:

“Now, Israel, take notice of the laws and customs that I teach you today, and observe them, that you may have life and may enter and take possession of the land that the Lord the God of your fathers is giving you.
“… And indeed, what great nation is there that has its gods so near as the Lord our God is to us whenever we call to him?
“…But take care what you do and be on your guard. Do not forget the things your eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart all the days of your life; rather, tell them to your children and to your children’s children.’

While there clearly a powerful message in these blessing words of Moses, I’m even more inspired by his willingness to accept a “no” from God in answer to his prayer (to enter the Promised Land), and then, after a burst of anger and disappointment, learn from his mistake and move in a new direction in relationship with God.

Now that’s really worth taking seriously.

And in tomorrow’s post I will offer you one way you might consider to savour the gift of faith even more deeply.

Until tomorrow

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Send your date and time to add to the list, and just turn up at at one of the advertised gatherings, just one hour, focussing on where we are encountering Christ.

TODAY LOWER HUTT
Wed 26 March 10.30am
Invite from Catherine
Columbus Cafe in Mitre 10
25 Bouverie St, Petone.

WHANGANUI
Thursday 27 March 7.00am
St. Mary’s Church – & every Thursday
Invitation from Kate

NEW PLYMOUTH
Thursday 27 March 10.00am
Stumble Inn, 200 Mangorei Road
Invitation from Joan

CHRISTCHURCH
Monday 30 March 10.00am (& every Monday)
Moku cafe, Bush Inn Centre
Waimairi Road.

KAPITI COAST
Monday 31 March 11am to noon
The Cafe at Harrison’s
23 Peka Peka Rd, Waikanae beach.
Invitation from Catherine