L E C T I O N A RY R E F L E CT I O NS
MARCH
The
mysteriousness
SUNDAY MARCH 20 ISAIAH 55:1-9
Despite the warm invitational tone in the early verses of this passage, verses 8-9 present a different one. The mysteriousness of God’s ways and how they are beyond human comprehension are exhibited in these verses. When reading this, I am reminded of the frustrations of the biblical sceptics, namely, Job and Qohelet (the protagonist of the book of Ecclesiastes). In their search for wisdom, they find that at the end of the day, most of life’s answers are beyond human comprehension (cf. Job 37:5; Eccl. 11:5). Could there be a sense of frustration heard in verses 8-9? When faced with life’s many difficulties, the question “Why?” is heard from those suffering. Verses 8-9 seem to answer this question, but how much assurance can we claim from these verses? How do these verses provide comfort to those suffering a debilitating disease, or losing a loved one, or undergoing depression and anxiety? The Lord’s ways are high as the heavens (v.9), but what does that say about our own thoughts? Are they meaningless? This is not an indictment on God, but a chance for us to actually pause and reflect on how these words can be applied, because truth be told, the theology is not straight forward. Perhaps one could label these words as a “cop out.” So, what do we do? I have no simple answer, in fact, it is likely that I have no answer at all.
of God’s ways
And that is ok, because sometimes, not having an answer is the most appropriate answer. Just like how Job and Qohelet ponder on the inexplicable nature of life’s hard questions, perhaps this is what verses 8-9 are also teaching us.
It can be emotionally and psychologically crippling and can lead to severe depression. And when this happens, one desires to hear the words of the Lord in verse 9: “Today I have rolled away from you the disgrace of Egypt.” In the Hebrew, the word “disgrace” is translated in the NRSV from the Hebrew The status quo is that these verses word “herpat” which can also mean reflect the distinction between the divine “taunt” or “shame.” In this Lent season, and human thoughts, which speak to let us think of those who have been God’s superior ways. But according disgraced/taunted/shamed, and seek to our human sceptical nature, these to have their disgrace/ taunt/shame verses might also suggest the author’s rolled away. vexations at the ambivalence of life, that are congruent with our own states of We could begin this within our families, confusion. And during this Lent season, within the institutions we work or are that’s ok, because understanding and educated in, within the church! Let accepting that there are things that are this be an appeal to call out bullying, difficult for humans to comprehend, harassment, bigotry, sexism, misogyny, might just be the assurance that we all racism and other discriminatory need. behaviour.
SUNDAY MARCH 27 JOSHUA 5:9-12
Don’t we all love the feeling of overcoming the final hurdle? Relief and joy are perhaps the most common emotions. These sentiments are associated with reaching that final stage, just as the Israelites experienced joy in finally escaping the encroachment of the Egyptians. But what about Israel’s relief? The relief of never having to deal with a colonial power such as Egypt again. The relief of not being chased, and not looking over their shoulders? For many of us, this sensation of relief is familiar. Especially if one has been part of a toxic environment, or been in a toxic relationship, and coupled with the emotion of having to walk on egg shells.
May this also be a call to social justice: to seek respite for those who have been vilified and victimised due to their marginalised state, the colour of their skin, their race and ethnicity, their gender, and their sexuality. To be allies to anti-racism, LGBTIQA+ rights, Black Lives Matter, indigenous rights, so that we may roll away their disgrace/taunt/ shame!
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THE LORD’S WAYS ARE HIGH AS THE HEAVENS BUT WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT OUR OWN THOUGHTS?
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insights
