The Jesse Tree:God's leadership-Monday of the Second Week of Advent

THE JESSE TREE SERIES

What does Monday of the Second week of Advent entail for our Jesse Tree:

GOD'S LEADERSHIP

SCRIPTURE:

Chapter 2  of Exodus is the story of Moses' youth.

In this account, the infant Moses was saved from the waters by Pharaoh's daughter, brought up by his mother and adopted by the princess.  It is certain that Moses received an excellent Egyptian education.  When he grew up the young Moses saw how the men of his race were oppressed and exploited.  One day he kills an Egyptian to avenge an Israelite who had been beaten by him.. When the assassination becomes known, Moses flees the country and seek refuge in the country of Midian, where he marries the daughter of a Midiarite priest. 
During this time, 'the sons of Israel groaning in the slavery cried out for help; ‘and from the depths of their slavery their cry came up to God.  God heard their groaning and he called to mind his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  God looked down in pity in the sons of Israel'..

Chapter 3: The calling of Moses.

In this account, stress is laid on the fact that Moses tried several times to get of his mission.  We can deduct from that then that Moses did not make himself the leader of the people but that he really was sent by God, that he was given his mission by God the saviour of the people.  It was not the talents or the human efforts of Moses which freed the race. It is God who bring about deliverance.  It is God who take the initiative in the work of salvation, both in times past and at the present day.  At the opening of the great epic of the deliverance of Israel, the name of Yahweh is explained: " I am who I am'. 

In contrast to the idols of other races which have no existence and so are incapable of concerning themselves with the fate of those who adore them, Yahweh is the living God, who is, and who gives being.  He is the God of Abraham, of Isaac  and of Jacob, the Saviour of Israel who intervenes actively in the history of his people and of the entire world.  This God is formidable and transcendent, but He is also very close, in the midst of his people to save them.

                               

THE PERSON: MOSES.

God talked to Moses from within a burning bush.  God promised that He would deliver Israel from Egypt, just as He had promised.  God was faithful and rescued the nation of Israel from the Pharaoh.  Moses was chosen by God to lead His people. As noted in chapter 3, Moses was reluctant to become leader, since he knew the people were a 'headstrong people'.  God needed commitment from Moses, but God would deliver His people and would give Moses the skills and talents he required to lead.

THE EVENT/THEME: GOD'S LEADERSHIP: During our reflection time today, let us ponder on God’s leadership in our lives and the mission God has asked of us.
We may wish to

1.            Offer a prayer of thanks for His faithfulness towards ourselves in helping us carry out His mission.

2.            Rediscover the sacredness awesome nature of God. He is our Creator and King, yet humble to spend time with us whenever we call Him.

3.            Make a practical commitment: As today's theme is God's leadership, we may wish to 

o        Write a personal letter to God about the mission He has given us to carry out, outlining our fears, talents, skills and apprehensions. Light a candle, read the story of the burning bush and then present to God your commitment letter. Experience both the awesome and close nature of God.

o        Review our Advent commitment: examine how God's initiative is working in our lives as we prepare our hearts for the birth of His Son.

SYMBOL 9: BURNING BUSH

Let us recall the call of Moses to leadership who feared his mission.  Let us remind ourselves of God’s initiative and deliverance and His awesome, yet close nature as we prepare our ninth symbol (eighth cut out symbol) and place it on the tree.