Lord God, we wish to see Jesus.
By your Spirit’s power, give us eyes to see his glory.
Through Christ we pray. Amen.
—based on John 12:21Oftentimes when I read I see things that make me say, “Hmm, that’s interesting.” I don’t always have any answers, but I like to ponder them. Today I see the first nameless baby in the Bible. Names are so important, and Moses doesn’t even seem to have a name until Pharaoh’s daughter pulls him out of the water. Hmm, that’s interesting.
God’s “mighty hand” shows up today. This is a recurring image in the Old Testament, and every time God’s mighty hand shows up it is the hand that delivers. The image only comes up one time in the New Testament, and that is 1 Peter 5:6-7 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” As we read these stories of the Israelites in the wilderness, let’s keep that passage in mind. Grumbling and humbling are opposites. I’d also encourage you to think about how Easter, the ascension, and Pentecost have changed our experience. We don’t just live later in history than the Israelites. We have died to sin, been raised with Christ, and now have the Holy Spirit living inside us. As we read these stories, let’s ponder what it means that God was showing them the promises that he has now given to us.
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