God looks down in love
I struggle to get much from reading certain parts of
the Old Testament. The lists of detailed rules for living in the ancient Near
East bring me little edification; the start of the book of Numbers makes me
sigh and fidget (at best).
The narratives of the Old Testament are much more
fun. They burst with colourful characters - patriarchs, priests, mothers, wise
kings, brutal despots, warriors, wanderers, social climbers - all getting up to
things bad and good. As I read the vivid predictions of Jacob in this passage
from Genesis, I see the life of the people of Israel opening out into the
centuries ahead - as God looks down in love on their doings.
Lent should be a time of reflection. I long for
that, but I wonder whether I'll get it. Most days between now and Easter will
probably bring hassle: long hours in the office, constant pressure, weariness,
occasional wasted work, occasional conflicts. This is part of the stuff of
life. But there will also be comradeship, friendship and other daily good
things; and I like to think that God is looking down in love on the bustle and
striving, whatever it finally achieves and even if it leaves less time for
contemplation than I should like.
And then there will be relief - time to stop, time
with family and friends over the sea, church bells, the delight of walks in
rolling hills, hints of new life: Easter.
Mike Mackenzie
Jacob,
Greco, 1541?-1614, Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain
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