Some interesting things to think about in Exodus:
Here we have God hardening Pharaoh's heart again (still): Purpose? So that God's power and glory will shine forth for people to believe and know that Israel's God is THE God, not Pharaoh. But, hardening the heart still sounds a lot like "rigging" the outcome in God's favor; it still feels not quite right, like Pharaoh is some dupe that is forced to do the wrong thing. Consider this as you read and think about Exodus: In this chapter, a different verb is used for the phrase that continues to be translated "harden Pharaoh's heart". The verb here is to strengthen. And the noun that is translated heart also means "will" or "mind." So the sentence can be translated: I will strengthen Pharaoh's will. What does that do to your understanding as you read this? And how does God "strengthen Pharaoh's will" or "harden Pharaoh's heart?" By being God. God being God shows others (and Pharaoh) that Pharaoh is not God.
Also, when the people become fearful while following God's plan, notice that Moses' words to them echo the sentiment we find in Psalm 46:10--Be still and know that I am God. Good advice for all of us when the world seems to be turning upside down or we feel lost or frightened. It seems to be our greatest challenge: knowing and living the Truth that God is God and we are not.
Matthew presents the greatest commandment as love: love the Lord your God with all your heart (will), all your soul, and all your mind---your "lev" in Hebrew. Love God with everything you have and love your neighbor. Loving with everything we have indicates that this is no mushy, gushy feeling....this is action.....this is palpable....this is life-changing. The greatest commandment is love; this is the lens through which we must understand Scripture (on this hangs all the Law and the Prophets) and the lens through which we are to make choices and take action. Love.
No comments:
Post a Comment