Exodus 19:5-8a
“So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. The people all answered as one: ‘Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.’” vss. 7-8
In the context of the wilderness wanderings, the response of the Israelites to Moses’ words almost sound like a joke. We know the rest of the story! We’ve read about the grumbling and the idolatry, the bickering and the back-fighting. And yet, in this passage, the people respond with one voice, “Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.” But are they really any different than we are? It’s not like we haven’t faced the same situation and done exactly the same thing. Think of our confirmation and marriage vows. And how about the promises of parents and sponsors when their children are baptized? There’s a whole list of things that they agree to do in providing for their growth in faith…and everyone always responds as one: “We will do it!”–and then seldom do they follow through. Once the water is splashed on their kid’s head, they’re pretty much done with church. Instead of walking in the footsteps of Jesus, too often we stumble along in the wilderness, following in the way of the Israelites. But not everyone! Some do take God seriously, and some even keep their word…at least so much as they are able. Thank God for all those who hear what the Lord has spoken and who then do it! Their presence is a gift to us all!
Thought for the Day: How well have I kept my vows to God?
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