There are a lot of concerns in our world today. There is war in the middle east and divisions in our own country. Beyond all of this, everyone is dealing with their own personal pain. Perhaps you have lost someone you love, or maybe you are just feeling broken down by the world. Often times we try to suffer through this pain on our own. We don't share what we are going through, and we assume everyone else is too busy to care about our problems.
We have been journeying through the book of Exodus during this Lenten season. This book tells the story of a people who were broken down by years of slavery. God heard them calling out, but they still didn't believe anyone cared about them. They thought they were worthless. God had to do more than set these people free. God had to teach them that they were valuable.
As I was reading through the narrative, it struck me that the Israelites were tested in the wilderness 10 times. This is a call back to the 10 plagues where God tested the Pharaoh in Egypt. Pharaoh failed these tests. He was not willing to believe in God. However, when the Israelites were tested, they don't do much better. Time and time again they seem to fail, but while Pharaoh's heart became harder, the Israelites slowly opened theirs.
Now, I really don't like the idea of God testing the people, but I don't think God wanted to punish the Israelites. God was waiting for the people to open their hearts. It didn't matter that they failed the tests. If they opened their hearts in a small way, God would be able to offer hope.
Today there are a number of reasons why people can be discouraged. There are a number of reasons why we might feel like we are failing a test. However, God doesn't care if we mess up. God wants us to live with a heart that can be open to love.
I hope all of you know that it is okay to make mistakes. We simply have to open our hearts to the one who is always willing to save us.
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
