All you have to do is read the news to get scared and depressed. There’s so much hate out there. Name calling and hard hearts, selfishness and finger pointing seem to be the current accepted problem-solving protocol. If the ugliness was just among politicians and late-night radio talk shows, we could ignore it. Instead of discussing issues and hashing out solutions, anyone brave enough to stand up for a differing view quickly and unmercifully becomes a pariah. Instead of communication, the accepted reaction to dissenting views has become savage, brutal attacks, mostly verbal but certainly sometimes physical, without hesitation or filter. And, this practice of foregoing the conventions of polite conversation and expression has permeated every part of our society. Even family ties no longer obligate members to respect, understanding, or grace.
Right now, trying to address and improve the problems our country is facing, because of this unmitigated infusion of abhorrence and loathing for anyone who has a differing (conservative!) opinion or view, seems like trying to make bricks without straw: difficult work with horrible and disastrous long-term effects. Moses would understand this perfectly. He witnessed it first hand. In all fairness, what Moses wanted to do was stay far away from the fray and lay low. I understand his plan. I can easily delete my news feeds and block what I don’t want to be subjected to and spend more time with a snorkel on. God, however, had other plans. He hounded Moses until the man returned to Egypt and then cajoled and pushed the reluctant human into obedience. When Moses’ first efforts to make things better were met with more ugliness and added strife, he was ready to give up. He went back to God and told him that what he’s done so far had only made matters worse. It’s God’s answer to Moses at this point that gives me comfort and courage. In Exodus 6: 1 God answers Moses with the best promise of hope. He tells Moses: “Now you will see what I will do!” How cool is that? God knew that life was a train wreck for all of the Israelites. He knew it was hard. He knew of the hatred and unfairness, the bricks without straw. With that sentence I can just picture God’s smile as he rubbed His hands together and answered, “Great, now watch this!!” God used the situation in order to demonstrate His mighty power. Yay!
I don’t know about you, but I find comfort in that on several levels. First, I love the reminder that no matter how sordid our world and our lives get, God is bigger – God is stronger – God is aware and can’t be defeated. The second comfort is even better: God’s got this. It isn’t up to me to solve the problems or convince the haters or even to debate it. God’s power and might are going to be revealed at just the right time and His goodness will prevail. Period. My job? To stand. To stand in obedience and speak the Truth when the opportunity arises. Name calling and reductionist attacks are hurtful, but they certainly are ineffective against God’s power. Amen.
