Looking Forward While Looking Back
The Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar of Fire by night never left the people. Exodus 13:21
We look back and remember those steps that have taken us this far. We are told to move forward and walk bravely into the unknown. Words of encouragement, direction, and help illuminate our path with the light of His promise that He will always be with us. Those we love, who love us, who have been part of our growing up, who have been vigilant caretakers of our hearts and minds give us courage in our own adventures as we follow Christ.
In Numbers 33, Moses recorded the travels and campsites of the Israelites while they were in the wilderness. After 40 years of living and moving in that place and building altars of remembrance before they moved on, there had to be times they saw an altar from former days and thought about lessons learned and what’s ahead individually and as a people.
Standing on the front steps of the sanctuary after the Christmas Eve Service is a light-filled reminder to believe and take hope and promise into a world that needs Jesus. Singing, listening to scripture, seeing friends and families, hugging and being hugged moves us from the year we have had into the assurance that the Savior of the world is, indeed, our future, our promise, our hope.
Lord, thank you for the gifts of remembrance and promise. We need both to know that You have been, are, and will be with us because You loved us first. Amen.
Toni Richerson has been a member of South Main since 1974. She loves teaching Bible study classes, interacting with students of all ages, and being with her church family.
The Main Blog 