(Passover begins Sat. Apr. 7; first Seder that evening.)
Isa. 43: 16--21
Verse 16 has two apparently parallel statements, but they refer to separate, if similar, occasions. [A] road through the sea points obviously to the Exodus from Egypt (Exo. 14: 21--22). [A] path through mighty waters refers to the far less celebrated crossing of the Jordan into the Promised Land (Josh. 3: 14--17). These two water crossings carry great significance in Israel's faith journey: out from the land of slavery in to the land of freedom. As figurative baptisms, they should be equally important for the Christian's faith journey.
But v.16 means much more than that. The two incidents mark Israel's going in to and coming out from their 40 years of wilderness experience. This was a peculiarly unique time: the Hebrews were constantly in God's presence (Exo. 13: 21--22; Deut. 31: 6, 8, 15) yet estranged, the older generation accursed (Num. 14: 20--23; Josh. 5: 6) and their children uncircumcised (Gen. 17: 14; Josh. 5: 2--5, 7). Our 40 days of Lent are based on this period, raising several questions for reflection:
- What "land of slavery" were we brought out from?
- What "sea" did God lead us through?
- How was God present to us, even in our accursed estrangement?
- In what way are we still "uncircumcised"?
- To what "mighty waters" has God led us?
- What "Promised Land" is God leading us in to?
- How can we get across our "Jordan"?
- Do not recall what happened of old,
Or ponder what happened of yore (18)!
- I am about to do something new
Even now it shall come to pass (19).
- Suddenly you shall perceive it (19)!
- When the LORD restores the fortunes of Zion
--we see it as in a dream--
our mouths shall be filled with laughter,
our tongues, with songs of joy. (1--2)
It is obvious that, for Paul, only one thing in all of life mattered: the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord..., that I may gain Christ and be found in him (8--9). The Apostle is adamant that righteousness [is] from God, depending on faith, not on any righteousness of my own based on the law (9). Is that not Good News?
Do not be misled by the conditional nature of Paul's following remarks. He is not denying what God has accomplished, but illustrating the growth aspect of our faith journey: having "crossed the Jordan", we have "enemies" to destroy and "aliens" to dispossess. Even after we have been led in to the "Promised Land", we still will have to "work" to possess it. Paul, here, is much in agreement with James.
Christian, are you a follower, a disciple? Has Jesus "raised" you from "the dead"? If so, then please explain why, when "Mary" comes to anoint the feet of Jesus, you either sit idly by or complain? Or do you not believe that God's Word is not only for you, but about you?
- After the Red Sea
comes Sinai and wilderness--
before the Jordan.(1)
1. * Haiku poem by Phil Gilman. Please feel free to utilize anything by me; just give God the
Glory, Praise and Thanks and me whatever credit may be due.
(comments to Phil at ENAPXH@aol.com )