Chapter Nine is a song of praise and a quick history recap about God’s guidance, delivery, and protection of the Hebrew people. For those who want a Cliff Notes version of the Hebrew Bible, you found the right place. We rediscover the Holy One as creator, redeemer, and friend. God’s love is indicated at the very beginning of the story of our planet.
Many of those in attendance heard the sacred accounts for the very first time. I remember my earliest memories of God. They helped shape and form me into the person that I am today. I can only imagine the connection to the Holy Spirit as Biblical passages took on new meaning. The creator of the universe selected the people of Israel to be chosen, set apart for service. Their lives changed, for like me in my youth, they heard the words and were transformed.
For a lot of us, we stray far away from the faith of our childhood only to lose sight of our Father in heaven. “I can’t seem to find my way back to the path!” In a moment of frustration, we forget who God is in our world. The purpose of pleasing God is no longer a priority. Little by little, each lesson from our youth surrenders to the chaos and demands of staying afloat in a world that could sink us to the bottom of the ocean. God is a fleeting memory.
And then, through divine providence, we discover the path on which our feet touch holy ground. The Holy Spirit works a miracle through us so that we may rediscover the love of the Most-High God. And hearing the scripture read again, for the very first time, we are overwhelmed with Divine love. Praise be to the Living God, who always takes us back with open arms.
From a Pastor's Point of View 