Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, October 1, 2022
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
I once heard this cute story in a sermon. I can’t remember where or when, but here it is. Three kids stood on the edge of a large field newly covered in a perfect sheet of gleaming snow. They decided to have a contest to see who could make the straightest path across the field. They spread themselves out, counted to three, and walked. When the reached the other side, they turned around to see their paths. Two of the kids’ paths were quite crooked, veering this way and that before reaching the other side. The third kid’s path was absolutely straight. Her friends asked, “How on earth did you do that?” She said, “Well, you guys were watching your feet, trying so hard to make sure they were lining up in the right direction. I just picked this tree on the far side of the field and walked toward it.”
The truth of the matter is that we can’t always see exactly where God is in a situation the way the Israelites could keep their eyes on the pillar of cloud and fire. Seldom is God’s will for us so clear. But there is something to the idea that we can’t keep our eyes on our feet, trying to micromanage every aspect of our lives so they work the way we want. That’s almost certainly doomed to failure.
What helps me in my daily life is having a particular idea of the meaning of life. It’s quite simple—Jesus made it crystal clear: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself. This is my pillar of cloud and fire. Any time I am dealing with ambiguity or trying to make a decision or facing a serious challenge, I can keep my eyes on this basic tenet and measure everything against it. If my choices fall outside of this meaning of life, they’re likely not the right ones.
Yes, maybe it’s oversimplified, like the cute story of the kids and the snowy field. But it works for me…most of the time.
What helps me keep my eyes on what’s important in order to guide my decision-making steps?
