Scripture Readings: Exodus 17:1-7 & Matthew 21: 23-32
The people were always in God’s guidance and care, but they started complaining to Moses when the people found no water. Then Moses prayed to the Lord. In response, God led Moses and some elders to a rock at Horeb and said to him, “I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses struck the rock from which water flowed with his staff at God’s command and called the place Massah and Meribah, which mean testing and quarrelling, respectively. The Israelites quarrelled and tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”, but the Lord provided in thirst and battle.
In each of their three complaints (Exod.15:24,16:2,17:3), Moses turned toward God. In each, he redirected the people’s emotions toward the source and fulfillment of the promised land flowing with milk and honey, saying: “Your complaining is not against us but against the LORD” (16:8). In each, he reminded God’s people that he was the servant of another authority: “You shall know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and you shall see the glory of the LORD.”
This story is about the presence of God. In this story of thirst and testing, God promises that Moses will see God standing on the rock that will yield water when struck. However, the people will not see God, but only Moses. God dwells, speaks, waits, and acts even in the fragile one who knows the absence of God and who abides even now in that absence, so long as the thirst for living water still exists in this world.
We can investigate how Moses solved his problems. First, Moses prayed, and God reminded Moses that he possessed the tools to solve his or their problems. “Take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile and go” (v. 5). God will lead and care for those who have burdens and those who grumble in frustration and wail in anxiety. Whether we face difficulties or not, may we run to God and obey His words.
God granted grace in the wilderness despite the people’s complaints. God showed them and us what it means to have God with us. Even when we see dimly and hear only in part, but may we strive to follow God’s leading and obey His words. As we gather in the presence of Christ, His grace will be abundant. His grace will be able to call us anew to journey together toward the vision promised by God. May we be a fruitful church in the love of Christ.
In Exodus 17, the Israelites grumble and question Moses’ authority and God’s provision for them in the wilderness. In Matthew 21, the religious leaders question Jesus’ authority. Both passages involve a challenge to the authority of a leader Moses or Jesus. In Matthew 21:28-32, the parable of the two sons emphasizes the importance of obedience and action in following God’s will. Both texts touch upon the theme of obeying God’s commands or instructions.
Matthew 21 highlights Jesus’ authority and the significance of action in following God’s will. We know which of the children obeyed their parent in this parable. The one who said the right thing, or the one who did the right thing? It was the first son who said no but who obeyed in accordance with the will of the father. One son initially refuses to obey but later changes his mind and obeys, while the other son says he will obey but doesn’t. Jesus will accept those who obey him.
Jesus speaks about God’s kingdom and the opportunity for repentance and salvation. Saying the right words was not enough. We sometimes speak, pray, and teach without deeds, transformation, and obedience. Jesus invites us to more. Because if our words and prayers are genuine, they must bear fruit. They will lead to action.
Our Lord wants us to go work in the vineyard or garden. Which garden are we called to work in? When we keep thinking, sharing, praying, learning, serving, working together in God’s garden, may we bear much fruit in a variety of positive ways.
If our work is contributing to our church, wider communities growing in its love for God and for others, and in its mercy and care for those who have been wounded and cast out by others, it will bear much fruit. If our work is enabling believers or disciples to discover the truth that they are deeply loved by God and to be set free to live out the culture of grace that is the kingdom of God, it will blossom in the love of Christ. If our missional work is enlarging the kingdom of God through believing in Jesus, going to the vineyard, serving the Lord, obeying God’s will, embracing the least, and working in God’s garden, it will please and glorify God.
I can feel that our congregation seems to be God’s beautiful garden. All individuals are different, but very beautiful and colourful. I have a grateful heart for this beautiful garden which is already a blessing. This place is for God’s children to walk together, and a space for Jesus’ disciples to gather. This is a place for us to look after each other, and a space for us to bear fruits.
Whether this is enough, or whether we are called to develop a community garden, or a reflective or productive garden, or something we haven’t even tried yet, all the process, prayers, preparation, services, fruits, and time will tell. But whatever happens, I pray that our garden will continue to be a blessing and will bear all necessary fruits that God will please. I believe God is at work for us to be able to do what pleases God. May we find ourselves embraced in the loving arms of Jesus and nourished for life in all its fullness in the Holy Spirit.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)