Today's verse is a fragment of one of the oldest poems/songs in the Hebrew Bible. The entire song (verses 1-18 and 21) was sung in celebration, thanks, and praise to God by the children of Israel after they were led out of Egypt - but BEFORE they reached the Promised Land. I find that important because the verse for today declares what God HAS already done (redeemed the people) and also declares, as if it has already happened, what God WILL do (guided them to your holy abode).
Based on what God has done in the past, we, too, can celebrate and give thanks, not only for what has happened but for what God will yet do in the future. And we can look to the future with confidence, knowing that the God who has claimed and named you and me in the water of baptism - the God who has brought you and me through trials of the past - that this God will continue to lead and guide you and me until we reach that "holy abode."
There are times, of course, when we cannot see or feel God's presence. There are times when I wonder if what I am doing as an assistant to the bishop is really worthwhile. In those times I look back upon my life and see how God has worked in my life in ways too many to tell - most of which I can only see after the fact (hindsight being 20/20!). I give thanks for what God has done with me, for me, in the past. Then I can look forward, trusting that God continues to be present and continues to guide me AND will bring me home. |
