“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; ⁷ you shall have no other gods before me. ⁸ You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. ⁹ You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, ¹⁰ but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments. ¹¹ You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.” Deuteronomy 5:6-11

There is so much packed into these verses from Deuteronomy, from the listing of the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20), to the Shema – the most important words of scripture to the Jewish community, “Hear, O Israel:  The Lord is our God, the Lord Alone.” (Deuteronomy 6:4). There is only one G-d, and we shall love the Lord our G-d with all our heart, and soul and strength – a central theme for both Judaism and Christianity.  Yet, these words follow closely behind the words that we are to fear G-d and keep G-d’s ordinances and statutes because G-d is like a devouring fire and is a jealous G-d. It reminds me so much of Jesus’ words as he laments over Jerusalem in Luke 13:34, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it. How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings…”  Now, I am not a chicken farmer, but I understand that a hen will not be tender and soft-handed in gathering her brood, but will use some force to keep them together.

From the words of the Old Testament and the Prophets, to the words of Jesus, we continue to hear how much G-d loves everyone. And because G-d loves everyone, G-d wants to see that everyone is saved from eternal death. These are words that we need to heed as we understand the fierceness of G-d’s love for all humanity.

Pastor Dave

“When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, ¹⁷ where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. ¹⁸ A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. ¹⁹ When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. ²⁰ But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”²¹ Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. ²² The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. ²³ Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. ²⁴ Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.”  John 6:16-24

If turning water into wine is not dramatic enough, then Jesus walking on the water is the miracle of all miracles – up to this point in the Gospel that is. In the miracle that happens at the wedding in Cana, Jesus acts not because anyone is fearful, but because the wedding  family was in need.  Through the miracle, Jesus gives the disciples, and you and me, a glimpse of his glory.  Now, as they struggle against a fierce wind on the sea, they are terrified when they see Jesus – and Jesus immediately acts to calm their fears. The presence of Jesus brings an end to their fear and a quick end to their journey – for they immediately reach the other side of the sea. And although they get something surprising, just like the wedding family, they also see a glimpse of Jesus’ glory.

This is a story that resonates with all of us – for we all have been engulfed by fear, we all have cried out for the presence of Jesus, and we all have encountered surprises at the works of Jesus. When we consider all that Jesus offers to us, we should get that sense of peace and fulfillment in his presence because his ministry is to those in need. Thanks be to G-d for the power and the Glory of Jesus Christ, that continues to surprise us throughout our lives.

Pastor Dave

Pastor Dave