from the Preacher's desk.....  

Standing Tall
Leviticus 26:11-13
 

We may not have actually experienced it, but we understand the picture. To be bowed down under the yoke of a burden has meaning though we likely have never worn a yoke. We have all, been weighted down with the burdens of responsibility, guilt, emotional struggles, and so on. To stand tall and walk resolutely is a statement of freedom and strength. It is, undoubtedly, the preferred stance and posture.

When we think about God's relationship to humanity, we should be careful that we have the right picture in mind. God does not want to domineer and control. He does not to beat us down or degrade us. His propose is that we, His creation, stand tall (or "erect" as the text says; NIV reads, "with heads held high"). It is true that God was talking to His people about deliverance from their literal slavery to the Egyptians. But God no less delivers us from slavery through Jesus Christ. "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1).

Essential to accomplishing the posture of standing erect is the appropriate relationship with God. Of concern is that God not reject but accept us as His people (Matthew 25:34,41). The text also speaks of God walking among His people, to be their God, and they His people. In one sense God is God to all creation and all humanity are His people. He made us and we are answerable, ultimately, to Him. God is our God and we are His people when submit our own wills to His. Though God is our creator, through the exercise of our own will, we may not allow God to be God in our own lives.

Ruby Ray, Minister
02/10//19