The psalmist mentions several major offenses that the Israelites at the base of Mount Sinai commit. Then he dramatically sings about how Moses stands in the breach to change God’s mind about destroying the Israelites. Today’s psalm verses capture the essence of the ancestors’ sins at Horeb while the Exodus passage fills in the details of how they wronged God in an effort to ease their own anxiety. The people make a calf of gold to worship, thereby breaking the first two commandments related to loving God wholly and making no graven images.
How do you perceive the “lessons” sung or told in today’s scriptures? I do not believe that the songs and stories of the Bible exist to scare people into avoiding sin. I believe that the retelling of people’s experiences with God reminds us of God’s response to human iniquity: God’s love and grace.
Intrinsic value resides in the telling, hearing, and process- ing of others’ and our own experiences. Storytelling about interactions with God can provide comfort and counsel in the midst of tribulation. When stories are told, songs then follow to help us further remember God’s provision through the rhythms and intonations that synchronize with our mind, body, and spirit.
How does your life keep rhythm with the beat of God’s commands? What stories about God’s presence and participation have you been telling? How can you synchronize your heart, actions, and soul with the beat and words of the Divine?