27 June 2006

More on the Word of God from "Gravity and Grace" by Joseph Sittler.

Who is God? Scripture does not answer the question. It's a rather shocking thing to recognize, but Scripture at no point defines God. Rather, it says, "I am the holy one, I am the one who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, delivered you from captivity, called you by name, made you a people, constituted you an elect nation, a holy priesthood." Or, "I am the one who before the mountains were brought forth, I was. What ever happened, I did." God in Scripture is not the one who is but the one who does. This is a functionally definition of God, not a dictionary definition.

It takes the whole story to bring this God of ours into some kind of dynamic picture. I didn't say bring God into "a picture" because this picture is greater than any canvas. God is always more and always taking us in to view more and more. Many times, the same themes are played over again and again...and yet they work -- in new ways for new days. I'm not threatened by those who say they do not believe in God...or they want some proof. On the other hand, I'm not interested in those who say they have the "proof"...like finding bones or hearing voices or maybe a piece of the ark. I will go by what is said about the acts of God in the midst of a ongoing stumbling people. I will go with that God who speaks to Job about the foundations of the earth and the walls that hold in the seas. I know that sometimes, those walls will not stand as they are...they will give way to the wonderful natural ways of creation that separate land, push currents beyond the boundaries we like, and then make for new configurations of this grand creation. I trust that in the midst of all of this, our God moves with us. There may be no dictionary definition of God but there sure is a whole tapestry of images and acts woven together within Scripture and around us.

Connection: As I say so often, let's spend some time today simply taking a few deep breaths and then do it again. There is so much more to life than our own little world. Sometimes intentional breathing helps me make a connection to the rest of the fantastic reality through which we journey - at times alone and at times with others...but always with the one who puts it all together.

Creating Lord, your vision is grand and your actions help us to see how life can be within your vision for life for all of us. We pray that you will continue to inspire us to see your holy will that is ready to continue making all things new. Amen.