MEDITATIONS

Word Among Us, Aug 2005

AUGUST 1-6

1 Monday, August I

Numbers 11:4-15

Moses was overwhelmed to the point of despair. Leading God's people had become too heavy a burden for him to bear. In today's gospel, Peter was in a similar predicament. As the strong winds swirled around him, his faith failed him, and he began to sink. Both of these men hit the point where there was only one thing they could do-cry out to the Lord to save them.

All of us hit points in our lives that bring us to our knees. Whether it is the weight of sickness, the heavy burden of financial difficulty, or the fierce storms of divided family relationships, life throws situations at us that test our faith to the breaking point. It's at these points, when the Lord's power and love seem so distant, that Jesus is closest to us.

"That's easy to say," you may be thinking. "But my situation is truly hopeless. I have prayed and prayed. I have tried everything I can think of, but nothing helps. I don't know what to do, and I'm ready to give up."

Do this: Get on your knees and cry out with Moses and Peter: "Help me, Lord! I'm sinking!" This humble cry from a desperate soul reaches straight to heaven and unleashes the awesome power of God. Even if you don't instantly perceive it, trust with all the faith you can muster that Jesus has heard your cry. Believe that he has a plan in motion to show you a way out.

Try this test today. If you've already prayed this way, make a decision to entrust the situation to the Lord and do your best to move forward with your day. Fight the temptation to dwell on the situation in anxiety and despair. Focus instead on loving and serving the people God has given you, and repeat often: "I entrust my life to Jesus today."

"Jesus, right now I place my life in your hands. In sickness, in financial difficulty, and in the midst of wounded relationships, I offer myself to you. Come and lift me up from the stormy waters, and place my feet on the rock of faith in you."

Psalm 81:12-17; Matthew 14:22-36

2 Tuesday, August 2

Numbers 12:1-13

How often do we see family relationships ruined because one sibling is convinced that he or she has been treated unfairly and envies another brother or sister? How often do we see a brother or sister unable to move beyond a situation in the past that caused division or hurt in the family? All too often, it seems.

Aaron, Moses, and Miriam were siblings. Miriam was older than Moses and played an important role in preserving his life when he was young (Exodus 2:1-10). She was also known as a prophetess. Aaron, Moses' younger brother, was the first high priest of Israel. Together, the three of them were a team chosen by God to free the Israelites. All three were given wonderful gifts by God to accomplish this.

Over time, however, Miriam and Aaron refused to accept Moses' leadership, and they grew jealous of his special relationship with God. Instead of being grateful to God for what they had received, they became resentful and began to question Moses' God-given authority.

In the gospel today, Jesus says, "it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles" (Matthew 15:11). What came out of Miriam and Aaron's heart was vastly different from what came out of Moses' heart. For all that God had said about him when Aaron and Miriam complained against him, Moses remained humble and meek. He didn't even try to defend himself!

Moses was the chosen leader of Israel, but he knew that God had given him that position and authority. Moses did have a special relationship with God. He did have many accomplishments. But he also knew that everything he had came from God. It wasn't the role that God called Moses to that made him so righteous and powerful but rather the openness and humility that were already in his heart. It's because of these virtues that he was disposed to do whatever God desired of him.

We too are who we are, because of what God has given us. As we embrace the humility of Moses, we too can be used by God in ways totally beyond our expectation.

"Father, I want to please you in all that I do. May the words of my mouth and the thoughts in my heart be a constant reflection of your love and grace. Lord, I love you."

Psalm 51:3-7,12-13; Matthew 15:1-2,10-14

3 Wednesday, August 3

Numbers 13:1-2,25-14:1, 26-29,34-35

The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the promised land was an emotional roller-coaster ride. With mighty displays of power, God released them from slavery to Pharaoh. They left Egypt excited at the prospects of a life of freedom in the land of Canaan. Soon after, however, they found themselves trapped between the Sea of Reeds and Pharaoh's approaching army. Filled with terror, they cried out angrily to Moses. God delivered them, but it took a number of similar incidents to teach the Israelites what it meant to trust in the Lord.

By the time they arrived at the borders of Canaan, they had repeatedly seen God's actions on their behalf. Yet when the scouts sent to reconnoiter the land returned with an alarming report, the people once more "forgot God, their Savior. . . . [and lost] faith in his promise" (Psalm 106:21,24). It seems to have been a constant series of ups and downs for them!