Living in the Waiting

Moses went up on the mountain and spoke with God. But while he’s up there dealing with important stuff, the people wait—and then wait some more—and they get frustrated and scared, seeing the flashes of lightning and hearing thunder on the mountain.

They were at this standstill waiting there on the desert floor and were worrying and fretting and at a loss without a leader. They had escaped from what was—that was a kind of stability in Egypt—but they had a long way to go before they’d get to the land they’d been promised. Unable to go back and equally unable to move on their ancient internet comes alive with scary scenarios and conspiracy theories.

Aaron, who was left in charge and hoping to calm them down, suggests they construct a gold statue, the image of a calf to represent God that would appear strong and yet still growing. They could build it together out of all their hard-earned gold jewelry. It would be something they could see and touch, and then they’d feel safe and comforted. And everyone bought into it and so they did!

Of course, the problem with conspiracy theories and golden calves is that evidence against as well as absence of evidence for is often considered to be evidence that they’re true. And those who believe them are living a lie, especially those who act on them. There isn’t any substitute for God and there isn’t any quick fix that will bring peace or help to get a grip.

And as hard as it can be—and it can be really hard—there are times when we simply need to relax and just let go, to not look for any substitutes, but to spend time in our discomfort and to appeal to God directly, openly and honestly for help through all the frustrations, the impatience and the worries we have.

Moses, on that mountain top, did that very thing on behalf of his people, and God was moved to understanding and caring for them. God gave them encouragement and led them on towards the Promised Land.

I put my trust in the God of Moses, the God who is open and wants to hear what’s going on in our lives with honesty and truth. I understand God to be One who is seeking to have a relationship with us and to help us find ways to live here in the present time of waiting, as well as to lead us to find ways of moving on.

It’s my hope and prayer that you and I can remember that even while we are caught in the midst of this sadly divisive election and in the midst of this COVID crisis, God is with us, is here in the present moment and in all the changes and all the twists and turns of our lives, even when we wander off to false gods and worship idols. Emmanuel: God with us, patiently offers forgiveness, comfort, and the peace that is beyond all understanding—the peace that watches over our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of Christ Jesus.