.

It helps to know the story before today’s Old Testament account of the people grumbling in the desert:

Joseph, sold into slavery then freed and promoted because of his service to the Pharoah, his twelve brothers and father coming to join him forming the twelve tribes of Israel. Then there coming a Pharoah “who knew not Joseph” forcing the Israelites to serve as slaves, then Moses sent by God as liberator to lead the People of Israel to their own land of promise, but through a 40-year desert journey.

Today we meet them on their pilgrimage which began with so much hope:

“On the way the people lost patience. They spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in this wilderness? For there is neither bread nor water here; we are sick of this unsatisfying food.”

What happened to their hope?

How easy it is to lose sight of hope.

Almost twelve months ago (9 May 2024) Pope Francis introduced this Jubilee Year with the theme Pilgrims of Hope. He began his announcement quoting Romans 5:5 – Hope does not disappoint.

So what happened to those Israelite pilgrims? Their hope did not disappointed – instead they forgot hope. They lost perspective.

In that May 2024 letter Francis continued:

“Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring.”

Perhaps my problem is that I hope in the particulars, according to my own little designs. No doubt Adam and Eve got used to Eden in the Summer and couldn’t make sense of the autumn change. Why? Everything seems to be dying? Why?

No doubt the second time round Adam and Eve understood something of the pattern of the seasons, and relaxed into winter knowing that Spring would follow.

But the hope was not in spring but in the God who created the seasons.

Such God-centred hope does not disappoint.

It’s all about the relationship.

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.

NEW PLYMOUTH
Thursday 10 April, 10.00am, (note change of day)
Stumble Inn, 200 Mangorei Road New Plymouth
Invitation from Joan

CHRISTCHURCH
Monday 14 April 10.00am (& every Monday)
Moku cafe, Bush Inn Centre Waimairi Road.
Invitation from Trish