How do we expect to meet God? Where do we expect to find him? What response do we expect to have when we are finally in his presence? We hear from the prophet that God does not always show up in the manner we might expect. He often shows up when we least expect it and manifests himself in a manner inconsistent with the way those in possession of worldly power show up. The prophet reminds us that to really encounter God often requires us to remain silent, quiet and with a sensitivity to the smallest things.
Paul reminds us of the value of our life in Christ. But even more, he reminds us of the importance of our life in Christ not for ourselves but for those around us. Those who God is inviting to join him but uses us to lead them to God. Paul would gladly have allowed himself to be cut off from God for the sake of those he has preached to. This is much as a parent would gladly sacrifice themselves for the sake of their children. What are we willing to sacrifice for the sake of our neighbors? What difficulties are we willing to endure for the sake of others coming to know Jesus and obtaining the glory of heaven?
We often use Jesus’s comment to Peter, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” when we talk to others. Paul’s letter ties in well with Matthew’s Gospel in that when Jesus calls us, are we ready and willing to leave behind our comfort zones in the boat to walk upon the rough seas around us? What fears keep us in the boat like the other eleven? How often do we discourage those willing to leave the boat when we ourselves are not about to move an inch?
Countenance of God 