A Two-Way Street

Today's readings: Ps 89:1-18; Hos 2:14-23; Acts 20:17-38; Luke 5:1-11

In difficult times, we often ask ourselves whether we can really trust God. How often do we ask the complementary question: can God trust us?

The opening chapters of Hosea compare the relationship between God and Israel to the relationship between a husband and unfaithful wife. We can’t help but relate to this image of intimate betrayal, and the emotions it raises are useful tools for Hosea. He hopes to shock Israel into repenting over the trust it has violated, much like unfaithful spouses might confess to relieve their own guilt. God trusted Israel in a partnership, but Israel found other partners to satisfy immediate political and material needs. In chapter 2 of Hosea, God’s sense of betrayal eventually yields to a desire for reconciliation – a desire to trust Israel again. To trust us again.

Modern believers can struggle with the idea of a personal God. Does God really feel things like betrayal and trust? Maybe not in ways we understand, but the story of Christianity teaches us God relies on us to usher in God’s Kingdom. If we embrace the idea that we are created in the image of God – in all God’s faithfulness – maybe we can be a people who deserve that trust.

Jesus trusted extravagantly. When it was time to recruit disciples, he didn’t pick from the people he knew back in Nazareth, or from the residents of Capernaum who adored him for the signs he displayed. Instead he selected strangers who – upon realizing how special he was – declared themselves unworthy of such trust (Luke 5:8). They let him down along the way, but Jesus trusted these people to become his church.

In our daily lives, are we mindful that God is trusting us at any given moment? Do we live in a way that honors that trust? As in a marriage, two-way trust should not be a burden, but a relief. God trusts us enough to let us fail, as well as to succeed. God’s trust – and love – never falter, even when we do. How well do we value and honor that trust? God creates each of us worthy to help usher in the Kingdom. Let us be trustworthy as well.

Comfort: God’s trust in us is not a burden, but a joyful responsibility.

Challenge: Try to trust as extravagantly as God.

Prayer: Glorious Creator, I will do my best to be worthy of your trust.

Evening readings: Ps 89:19-52

Tomorrow's readings: Ps 97, 99, 100; Hos 4:1-10; Acts 21:1-14; Luke 5:12-26