The Point

This weekend we come to a turning point in the Exodus narrative - where one becomes many. For though we may be called as individuals, we are always called into community that God's whole world may flourish.

In this case, as God comes down to rescue Jacob's descendants and bring them up out of slavery in Egypt, God not only helps the people but creates a community from the survivors. One that intentionally recalls that they are God's and therefore are meant to live as God has called them.

Being purposeful in how we make our lives together is something we do not out of fear, despite the fact that the story begins with plagues that could easily rattle even the most faithful of believers.

No, we consciously choose this family of faith because God has shown an encompassing presence through Hell and high water - quite literally - and beyond. God has been with us and continues to be, offering care in the most desolate of places that we might find new life and find it abundantly.

And though there are Ten Commandments originally given at Horeb and Sinai, the ancient Rabbis have summarized always summarized them in this way: Rabbi Hillel, who lived in the first century before the common era, said, "What is hateful to you, do not do unto others. The rest is commentary." Likewise, Rabbi Akiva, who lived in the late first century and into the second century of the common era and helped the Jewish community become who they would be after the fall of the Temple, would say, "Love your neighbor as yourself - this is a great principle of Torah."

Because the Rabbi we follow was not the only one to know the wisdom of these two commandments and that when we love others, we love God's own self. That is how we build our community. There is nothing more central. If we begin with those immediately around us and continue to grow that circle, further and further - we have understood the point.

And among the ways we serve our neighbors here at Grace is through our Little Food Pantry and Love Garden - which we are replanting this weekend as a part of our Earth Day Celebration following worship. We hope you will bring your gardening tools and gloves and used coffee grounds and stay to help!

Blessings,

Rev. Janie