Suggested Readings: Psalm 53 Leviticus 23:26-41 Revelation 19:1-8
At first glance, these three texts seem to have nothing in common. Yet, as I read through them, it became clear that they all speak of the ways humans look to God, waiting for God to be present and active in their lives and in the situations of the world.
The Psalmist has looked at the world around them and declared that there is no longer anyone who knows or seeks God. Instead, the people bite and devour one another, living in shame and dread, forgetting the God whom they used to know. And yet, these somewhat depressing words end with words of hope with the Psalmist declaring that one day God will save Israel and restore God’s people. When that happens all the people of Israel will rejoice and be glad.
The passages from Leviticus and Revelation strike quite a different tone – one of celebration for what God has done. The Feast of Tabernacles (also known as the Feast of Booths or Feast of Ingathering) was a weeklong celebration at the end of the harvest. It was a time of great joy and thanksgiving to God for the abundance of the harvest. The entire community stopped to give honor and praise for the work that God had done on their behalf. In the Revelation passage we read of another great celebration, heralding the works of God in defeating earthly empires. This victory has shown that God alone is the sovereign ruler of heaven and earth. This scene is one of worship, celebrating the mighty acts of God who has triumphed over the empires of the world and shown that only God is worthy of honor, praise, and glory.
Today, we may find ourselves resonating with one of these texts more than the others. Perhaps we look around and like the Psalmist long for God to be at work in a world that does not seem to know who God is and is mired only in dread and shame. Or perhaps we are celebrating God’s faithfulness to us and our community and our voices join in the celebration of gratitude and worship for a God who has proven to be faithful. No matter which way we may be feeling, these passages all serve as reminders that God has been at work in the world and the lives of God’s people for all time. God shows up in ways that we can predict, like the harvest, AND God makes a way when it seems as though the empires of the world will surely triumph. It may be our work this Lenten season to have faith that this is still true today and when we see it, to stop and take time to celebrate our God who is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise.
Heather Gerbsch Daugherty
