“I wonder if our desire to keep a distance from God has less to do with God and more to do with what we carry. . . . it’s essential to note that even when we withdraw, God lovingly approaches us. Just as he came down to the level of the Israelites, he meets us right where we are too. He secures us in his mercy instead of isolating us on the shaky ground we stand on.”- Meredith McDaniel
“You come to God not by being strong, but by being weak; not by being right, but through your mistakes.”- Richard Rohr
Section 8 (“Etched in Stone: I am secured”) of In Want + Plenty consists of Chapters 15 and 16. In Chapter 15, Meredith McDaniel observes that when we’re in the midst of a dry season, it’s hard to see the big picture every time. She quotes Alec Motyer (Message of Exodus): “The Lord works to a larger pattern than we can see at any given moment.”
While encamped at the base of Mt. Sinai, the Israelites heard God in prime time, hopefully ready to hear what God had to say. But they weren’t. So, God gave them the Ten Commandments – but only after He revealed enough about His nature and Moses prepared the people. Yet, the Israelites pleaded with Moses to act as their mediator with God. Because they trembled in God’s presence. They couldn’t handle the profound nature of His power.
Consequently, in our insecurity, we may want to slam the door on God. Just as the children of Israel wanted to hide. In conclusion, Meredith believes the Ten Commandments represent the best part of the Exodus story. The author explains:
“To me this is the best part of the Exodus story because it all points back to Jesus being our ultimate Manna. It’s what the whole narrative is about — God’s love being poured out for his people Israel. Without the law, Israel would not know their need for him. Without wandering around in our own deserts and battling the enemy, we would not know how desperately we need Someone to rescue us.”
Today’s question: When have you experienced a desire to keep a distance from God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Eliminate shame from our relational diet?”
