The Third Sunday in Lent (Year C), March 11, 2007
BCP: Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 103 or Psalm 103:1-11; 1 Cor. 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9
RCL: Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 63:1-8; 1 Cor. 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9
The people of Israel were oppressed and enslaved in Egypt, but God heard their cry and responded in love. In the midst of the crisis it could easily have seemed that their situation was hopeless, and they could have given in to despair. But God heard the people as they suffered under their task masters, and delivered them from the Egyptians “to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8).
It can be tempting to give up in the middle of a struggle, especially if no end of the pain is in sight and it seems impossible for the situation to improve. We may find ourselves wandering lost in our own wilderness and unsure how to find our way. And if we seem remote from God, we may feel like “a barren and dry land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1). But our time of need and confusion can be the moment when we discover God who is always present for us. In the midst of our worst testing, we can find God’s grace present and available to “provide the way out” and enable us to endure (1 Cor. 10:13).
Moses is surprised by God’s presence, and shocked to discover that God is sending him to Pharaoh to lead the people of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. Moses is unsure of God’s plan, and asks, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11). God answers Moses’ fears by promising him that “I will be with you.” God’s own name is revealed to Moses. God instructs Moses to tell the people that God has given him authority and sent him to them for deliverance. Moses is not just asserting his own agenda, and he does not stand alone. God will be with him.
God stands with us and gives us many chances to flourish. God’s forgiveness is infinite, and God’s inspiration is without limit. In the parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:6-9), the owner of a fig tree is exasperated by its failure to bear fruit. The tree has been barren for three years, and it seems worthless. “Cut it down!” says the owner. “Why should it be wasting the soil?” But the gardener imagines a better outcome. He says to give the tree another year of possibility to bear fruit. Let him fertilize and cultivate the tree. Instead of destroying it, give the tree another chance to be fruitful.
Even when we fail or get lost, God stands with us and gives us the help we need to endure. God offers us surprising possibilities and new directions. God promises to be with us, and provides many chances for us to be who we can be.
Look It Up
Hymn 144, “Lord Jesus, Son of Righteousness,” verse 2, prays to Jesus: “Give guidance to our wandering ways, forgive us, Lord, our sin; restore us by your loving care to peace and joy within.”
Think About It
When have you been given a second chance in life? What difference did it make to you? When have you given others a second chance?
Next Sunday
The Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year C), March 18, 2007
BCP: Josh. (4:19-24), 5:9-12; Psalm 34 or Psalm 34:1-8; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Luke 15:11-32
RCL: Josh. 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Cor. 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3,11b-32
