Who is our God?
by Pastor Glenn Crouch
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I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:6).
The words of Moses today come towards the end of Israel’s time in the wilderness, and this passage begins a re-telling of the Ten Commandments. Moses declares God’s law, and the people are asked to hear his words. However, who is this God that Moses is speaking about?
We see here that this God is one who makes relationships. He has entered into a relationship with the people of Israel. God has taken the initiative; in fact, God brought these people out of Egypt – don’t forget all the mighty deeds that were done! This God has done so much for Israel and has chosen Israel to be his people, and because of that, they should follow the laws he gave them.
However, as Martin Luther pointed out, God never led us (talking about the German people) out of Egypt. Our God is the same God. He has continued the work he began with Israel, as he desired to have a relationship with everyone – with you and with me! Through this ancient people came their anointed one – the Messiah – who was (and is!) God made flesh. He lived as one of us, died for all of us, and this God raised him from the dead. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we now know our God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit – one God, three persons.
Our relationship with God is not based on anything to do with Egypt; rather, it is based on Jesus. Once again, God has done all the work. He is the one who sent the Son. God raised him from the dead. He is the one who has loved us while we were his enemies. Through his Son, he has made us co-heirs. We are part of his family. Thus, as children of this one and only God, he wants us to follow his commands – love God and love your neighbour – and to do this, we have received his Holy Spirit through our baptism.
Lord of all Creation, it is beyond my understanding that you want a relationship with me. You are indeed worthy of all my praise. You have done everything for me, yet I still struggle to be kind to those you place around me. Forgive me and fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit so that your love may flow through me. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
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