Epiphany
Celebration of God
Manifested in the World
February 4, 2015

 Scripture Reading: Psalm 147:1-11, 20

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
   make melody to our God on the lyre.
He covers the heavens with clouds,
   prepares rain for the earth,
   makes grass grow on the hills.
He gives to the animals their food,
   and to the young ravens when they cry.
His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
   nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
   in those who hope in his steadfast love.  — Psalm 147:7-11

At least a lifetime investment of observation, study, and communion with God is required to ascertain just bits and pieces of the character of God. Our scripture today gives us some glimpses. For one God likes music both vocal and instrumental. The Lord cares for the earth and feeds animals even baby ravens when they cry. Now it does not say God dislikes big, strong horses or track meets but apparently they are not among God’s favorite activities at least according to the Psalmists.

And then there is that pesky word “fear” describing God’s character. God wants us to fear God. Now we can talk about awe and reverence being other words for fear in regard to God and they are, but we might benefit from exploring the nature of fear in our everyday lives and see how it might help us understand the character of God. When I am afraid my entire attention is focused on the source of my fear. God wants our full attention. When I am afraid, I also am trying to figure out the best way to deal with my fear. It is the Jonah moment, when we all just wish we can run away and hide, but what I most often find is that facing my fear is the only way to live through the reality of what I fear. When we run away we are settling for a lesser god. The ever present, creator, and almighty God is exactly what we need in our lives.

Prayer: Almighty God, through glimpses of your being, I experience myself more fully as the self you created for a reason. Abide with me as I grow into the person you created me to be. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.