Pastor John Ortberg posits in Chapter 4 of God is Closer Than You Think that the single most dangerous word in the English language is found in Exodus 8:10. When Moses asks Pharaoh when he should pray to remove the plague of frogs, Pharaoh answers “tomorrow”. The author adds that Pharaoh had learned that he could live with frogs, to tolerate their presence. He erroneously preferred that alternative to the change required to fully surrender to God.
We too settle for another night with the frogs whenever we choose to repeatedly engage in behaviors that harm ourselves as well as others. Following our ministry downsizing or job loss, the frogs of anger and unforgiveness can multiply so quickly that they saturate our lives, clouding our judgment and thinking. To get at the root of the problem. we must connect with God in the present. Pastor Ortberg explains:
“What matters most is this: God is present in this instant, offering to partner with us in whatever we face. The failure to embrace ‘the sacrament of the present moment’ will keep us from being fully present to God right here, right now. Not because we consciously say no to God. We just say ‘Tomorrow’.”
Please note: a new Short Meditation, “A Song in the Desert”, will post Monday evening.
