electionary

I am going to start with the caveat that I am not completely sure about choosing this one. The problem I am having with this particular passage is that it has been unusually important to me over the past six months, which means two very personal entries in a row, which seems like it might be a lot.

After last week, is there any choice about what I would first pick? I am so like Israel here I don't know what else to say about it - a little too close to home. God starts something, I get going, and then suddenly something comes in the way. School, work, life, family - there are so many things competing for attention, and it can be hard to keep track.

By faith Abram! Even if we imagine years are being counted differently - Abram's dad lived to 250 so 75 might be pretty sprightly yet - Abram is no young man when he sets out from Haran with his wife and his nephew and his slaves (sorry to say) along with a bunch of stuff he's collected over the years.

I am not putting much here, just a note for next time we cycle to this passage: a few weeks ago I bemoaned Paul's coming to the Corinthians without wisdom, knowing only Christ crucified - and below, I am going to talk about how we are back to the clever arguments that I so enjoy.  Ironic, then, to also be contemplating this passage at the same time, which explicitly decries worldly knowledge!

Honestly?  I don't like the first part of this passage.

It is a strange turn, God setting the mountains and the hills in judgement against his people.  And what is the case against them?  Moses.  Oh, and Aaron and Miriam, and Balaam.  What is the defense of the people?  Sacrifices?