But in your great mercy…

It is so easy to look at these old stories and scoff at the foolishness of the Israelites.  My Lent reading is taking me though Exodus, where God’s provision is so abundant- freedom from intolerable labor demands and a murderous dictator.  Water appearing miraculously, bread falling at their feet every morning and meat every evening.  And still, they cannot wait for a few days as Moses speaks to God.  They turn instead to the ways of the oppressors, worshipping a golden calf of their own creation, made from the bounty God provided as they escaped slavery. So tragically, painfully foolish.

But Lent is about self examination, repentance, a turning to Christ in gratitude. So this story of human foolishness, I have to admit– it’s my story too.  Do I count the gifts God provides, drawing on the undeniable evidence of his love and provision in times of doubt, in the times when he seems absent? Do I take what he generously provides and use it to create false idols in my life? Do I, like Aaron, make flimsy excuses instead of turning to God in repentance?

Why does God continue to put up with me? I don’t know why, but I know that he does.

Father, you are incomprehensible in your patience and faithfulness. You suffer our foolishness, you right our wrongs, you redeem our lives and free us from the burden and slavery of sin.  Grant that my children would come to understand the immensity of this gift of love so freely given.  I pray they- that we all- will know the truth of our need for you; that we would see our own sin clearly so that we can repent fully and understand the depth of the joy your forgiveness and restoration frees us to experience.

And Father, in this season of self examination I pray that you would show me how I can draw closer to you. I ask, Father, that your Spirit would transform me more into your image so that I can serve my family more fully as your servant.  #prayersformychildren #Lent2018