This week we will move from the obligation to do justice to the 'invitation to see and be holy - "An Unsettling God" by Walter Brueggemann
A second tradition of obligation that articulates the requirement made of Israel as YHWH's partner is not so well known or so much valued in Western Protestantism. This is the tradition of seeing, which focuses on the cultic presence of YHWH, and wherein Israel is invited to gaze on a vision of YHWH's presence, holiness, and beauty....
The assertion of Exodus 24:9-11 (the Sinai encounter) does not tell us what the leadership saw. There is no doubt that this testimony means to say that one of the characteristic markings of Israel is to be in YHWH's presence, to see God, to commune with YHWH directly, face to face (Psalm 63:2). This encounter at the mountain, moreover, is not instrumental, not for the sake of something else. It is a moment of wondrous abiding in the Presence.
In many ways, this is powerful and beautiful way to see one's life - in the presence of God. To see that as our place is the beginning of a transformation of life in which - I would hope - the presence of God is made known through those who see God's presence. When we commune with God directly - face to face - I would think that our lives could not stay static and consumed by a self-centered life. Rather, the God who liberates and frees and rescues and saves is seen as the God who is alongside us. When we walk as though we see God's presence abound, we also see life within God's Reign and how it is so contrary to much of the life we are urged to call our own. Abiding in God's Presence is not merely a meditative situation - it is life that is shaped by such presence.
Connection: It is no small thing to be able to see God and thus see oneself in the presence of God. Such vision has the potential to change everything in our lives.
O God, who abides with us, be the encouragement we need to step into the way of your reigning power that the world may experience your love and grace and justice as we live in your presence. Amen.
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