Leviticus 23:42-43 (06.10.21)

Leviticus 23:42-43
42 “‘Live in temporary shelters for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in such shelters 43 so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in temporary shelters when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’”

I love these verses, an instruction to go camping for a week! For me bliss, but maybe not everybody’s cup of tea. The idea was that this annual stay under canvas would remind them of when they lived in tents during the Exodus, and how God protected them, guided them, provided for their needs, and brought them to the Promised Land. Maybe we need a similar reminder ourselves. Our modern existence can feel so secure. We live in solid homes with all mod-cons. We have a health service and insurance, and there are times that it seems technology’s achievements know no end. We are secure and self-sufficient. Such a festival would remind us that all good things are a gift from God and any real security can only come from him.

Father, we take running water for granted, and electricity, a roof over our heads and food on the plate*. Our lives are comfortable. Forgive us for those times that we forget that you are the one who provides for us, you are our only true security.

*I could have added petrol in the pumps, but the queues outside my window when there has been over the last few weeks have been a graphic reminder that our achievements aren’t as secure as God’s…