| When Israel regathers, it is with a life of obedience that has some shape to it.
As in every other aspect of its life with YHWH, Israel must use a variety of terms to express its new lease on life granted by YHWH. We may mention four such usages, each of which bespeaks renewed Israel as the object of YHWH's powerful verbs
- The most prominent verb is "Gather." ' I will take you from the nations, and gather you from all the countries, and bring you into your own land' (Ezekiel 36:24).
- YHWH's rehabilitation of Israel is an act of "love", thus echoing the claims placed early in the tradition of Deuteronomy. 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.' (Jeremiah 31:3)
- A third verb is "heal," - 'For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the Lord." (Jeremiah 30:17)
- YHWH finally overcomes the judgment of Israel by an act of free forgiveness: 'I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.' (Jeremiah 31:34)
All of these verbs, and YHWH's actions to which they testify, mean that Israel is freed from all that had failed. Israel is now completely unburdened by its past, including the past of the exile.
We must be aware of this kind of language and when it is spoken. It is not a love because the people are loveable for what they do. It is love that comes even as the people and nothing more than disobedient people. It is healing even when the beloved people have cause their own injuries because of their turning from the one who loves them. The forgiveness is free and liberating. Too often, the words of a God who is going to get us or condemn us or kill us become the words about our God that are used to make people change their ways. And yet, so many times, it is the God who gathers and heals and loves and forgives who give the community the power to become just who God sees in us.
Connection: What turns you to this God? What do you hear that turns you away and what it is that grabs you and engages you and brings you home?
O God, who is forever acting for us, we give you thanks for never giving up on us and making sure that we continue to hear of your great and gracious acts. Amen. |
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