Love is a sweet word that conjures up pictures of happy couples, a mother’s love for her child, and even a kind word spoken, and a hug. Despite the sweetness of love, this word also possesses some complexities. Parents love their children despite the need to discipline them. Love is also the courage to say goodbye when a relationship no longer works. The magnitude of love is captured in the phrase “love is a many splendored thing”, which is a movie and a song.
The Story: Exodus 33
In Exodus 33, God prepared the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. However, they still had the residue of their Egyptian bondage through their idol worship. God told them to enter the new land, but He wouldn’t go with them for He couldn’t remain in the presence of sin and not react. When Moses and the people heard God’s declaration, they were saddened and removed their ornaments. Moses entered the tent to pray on behalf of the people. He wanted God’s favor and presence to remain with them. Moses realized that there were enemies present on the way to the Promised Land and only the presence of the Lord could keep them. During prayer, Moses even asked to see the face of the God. He responded that Moses couldn’t see His face and live, but God arranged for Him to see His back.
The Lesson
This passage reflects the many complexities of God’s love. God loved the Israelites enough to deliver them out of the hands of Pharoah and away from Egypt (see Exodus 13). He had a land prepared for them and the journey would only take 40 days to get there. The Promised Land would provide them with safety and sustenance. On the other hand, God displayed also His love for them by delaying their entrance into the new land. From their idolatrous ways, God knew they weren’t ready for the Promised Land immediately. A loving journey designed to take 40 days actually took 40 years.
The same goes for us. God prepared a way for us to remain with Him always. He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to die for our sins and give us a right to eternal life (John 3:16-17). His unending love enables us to find our way to HIm. The vastness of His love wooed us to Him (1 John 4:19). He knew that we were in bondage to sin and provided a way of escape through love.
God’s love often brings about delay. We face hindrances and obstacles because we’re not ready for our next. We believe that we’ve done the work and are poised for all God has for us. Yet, God’s gracious love says “Not yet.” He knows that our mouth and attitude need further transformation. He’s keenly aware that we still carry the residue from our past. Also, He has the foresight to know that a yes now would mean death and destruction later. Therefore, His love doesn’t give us what we want when we want it.
The question for us today is can we remain in love with God and others despite the complexities? Love is a choice and an action. This four-letter word is complex for it means giving of one’s self while having the capacity to separate. Love means speaking truth in one moment and remaining silent in another. Love in action shows guidance while allowing others to learn on their own. Also, love is near but it also keeps a distance.
Despite the complexities of love, 1 Corinthians 13 gives us hope and guidance. As we navigate the many facets of love, we can rest knowing that Love Never Fails.
Photo by Emmanuel Phaeton on Unsplash
