it's june - say something

The more observant amongst you may have noticed that I managed not to blog during May. At times I felt like I had nothing to say, other times, I was overwhelmed with subject matter (hence three drafts where I made a start). More of the time, however, I felt plain old busy & confused - in general & on where I would begin.

It's now June - a combination of my own desire together with promptings from a couple of friends brings me to needing to write a post. Last month, will I believe, prove to have been a seismic & pivotal period for CCN (Christian Centre). Maybe more of that at another time. It is also becoming pleasantly monotonous that every conversation right now, whether in an orgnanised meeting or organic conversation is trending to the topics of development & discipleship.

Given such thoughts & context, I remain unsure as to where's best to begin, but I'm parking my need for perfection, order etc... & choosing Exodus 33 as my topic. This is the passage that I find myself meditating on and talking about most frequently at the moment. It's likely that I will share some of these thoughts in CCN staff meeting next week (stop now if you don't want that spoiling!).

We find ourselves listening in on a conversation between God & Moses. God says that it's time to...

Head for the land which I promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (v.1 MSG)

We know from verse 3 that it's a land flowing with milk & honey, elsewhere we're told about the grapes. In verse 2, we also see that God's intent was to send an angel with them & ahead of them to clear out their enemies (all the 'ites).

So, to be clear, God is talking about a promised & fruitful place alongside His ongoing protection. Sounds good - I'll start packing.

Moses of the other hand was far less bought into this idea, his response was No Deal...

If Your presence doesn't take the lead here, call this trip off right now (v.15 MSG)

The desire & need Moses had for God's presence was so pronounced that he was willing to stay here rather than go there if that's what it took to remain with God. Take a minute...here was the wilderness, a barren place of survival & complaint, a place that had previously caused Moses to ask to die.

Our knowledge of the bible can at times put us at a disadvantage, like in this story, we know that God did actually carry on the journey of promise with them. However...

Q: real time - did Moses know that is wasn't a choice between here & there

Q: real time - would you have chosen the promised land, with all it brought & an angel but without God

I know that I am coming to increasingly crave God's presence. I also know what my answer to the second question can be when I need success, achievement & fruitfulness (as I am tempted to define them). I have to wonder if God was prepared to carry on the adventure with the Israelites because, if push had come to shove, Moses had chosen to stay here?!

My prayer for myself (& you if desired), is that I continue on my quest to know both God & myself better, such that I can love both God & myself more.

Have a blessed weekend - your fellow pilgrim

Jonathan