Can't find your car? No problem!

Funny how things coalesce sometimes to hammer home a message.

Reading a very good book by Bob Ekblad on reading the Bible with those on the margins of society. His refreshing take on the story of the Fall, and of Cain, have opened my eyes to the way that we see God in our own image, or at least in the image we imagine him to be. We think he is mad at Adam, Eve, and Cain, when in fact his tone is full of compassion and love. He invites honesty, makes provision and protection, though his beloved children must bear the consequences of their acts of rebellious independence.

Then I was reading the story of Elijah. What are you doing here? I have always read that question in my own tone of voice, the tone I would use if I discovered one of my children in a place they shouldn't be. But suddenly this morning I heard probably what is nearer to the authentic voice of God. A voice full of care and love, coming from the God who was there to prepare food and provide a helpmate for Elijah.

Ours is a God of love. But ever since Eve listened to the snide and lying words of the snake in the garden, we have feared a God of judgment and harshness, who is not slow to punish.

Jesus came to save the whole world. For God so loved the world, he gave his only and much loved son so that whoever believed in him would not perish but have everlasting life.

Should not perish. Whoever believes.

Mom and I parked her car in one of the many hospital car park buildings. All the appointments went well, but then although we had noted the section in which we parked, we could not find the car. In a slight panic I approached the kiosk, and in a jiffy we were whisked into a big 4x4 and driven right to where it was. We were running around (well, bear in mind Mom is nearly 90, still moving well but probably not running in the strict sense) searching for our car while all the time a dedicated staff member was ready to take us right to it.

How often do we run around in life trying to do things under our own steam, while Jesus waits patiently in his heavenly 4x4, waiting to be asked for help.

If you take anything from this pot luck of thoughts, it should be that God is there ready and waiting for you to call out and ask for help. Don't be shy. Today is the day.