Living Water

Some people who read this blog might be wondering why it did not appear last week. I did n't have a week off, and I did preach a sermon, which continued the theme of vision - in that case 'Vision for Growth'. Last week I referred at some length to the Peterborough Diocesan Vision for Growth, and since the Bishop of Peterborough has not yet released his roadshow talks for publication online, I chose not to publish anything that would pre-empt him. So for more on Vision for Growth, keep an eye on the Peterborough Diocesan website: http://www.peterborough-diocese.org.uk/.

The readings for the third Sunday in Lent are of particular relevance to my benefice, since we call ourselves Living Brook.

The Old testament and Gospel readings show a marked contrast in attitude and understanding, however. Exodus 17 recounts the story of a grumpy set of Hebrews, travelling through the wilderness having been freed from slavery by God, but seeming to be somewhat ungrateful for their liberty. Although they had seen unimaginable miracles in the course of their rescue from Egypt, they didn't seem to wholeheartedly believe that God was with them and supporting them in the desert. The pillar of fire had, perhaps, led them into the wilderness in order to abandon them there. Thirsty, instead of actively looking for water, or even asking God nicely, they grumbled and demanded. They acted in the dependent way of a lazy child, expecting that if they moaned then the required drink would arrive without any effort on their part. Moses did not challenge this demanding behaviour, but, irritated and worn out by it, aimed his own complaints at God. We've all had moments when we've thrown up our hands and said 'what am I supposed to do?' - complaining instead of getting on with it, feeling aggrieved that anything might be expected of us instead of taking the situation sensibly to God in prayer. What am I supposed to do could become, Lord, please help and guide me so that I can act in your strength and wisdom and deal with this situation. All too often the tiredness or emotion or just spiritual laziness lead us to whinge in God's direction, as though attempting to pass on the blame to God. 'Oh, You deal with it!'

God did - of course God did. God loves His children and is not going to watch idly as a people He has gone to the trouble to rescue from Egypt then die of thirst. But God was displeased. He provided water. Miraculously the water that gave life bubbled from the driest of sources, a rock. But the Hebrews had tested God instead of trusting Him. Although God had shown them a vision of a land of milk and honey, a land that was their destiny, they showed that they didn't share the vision trust it to be true. If the vision was true, why imagine that God would let them die? If God is to be trusted, why imagine that He would let them die? Why should God prove Godself by producing water on demand in such circumstances?

God is not to be tested. Imagine for a moment, testing your parents. If you love me, give me this or that. Or testing your partner - if you really love me, do this or that. It is not the sign of a healthy relationship, but of self interest coming before love for the other. Why should a relationship with God be any less open to trust? If we are in a loving relationship with God, then we should be trusting and faithful; and responsive, getting on with things alongside God. that is not to say we never ask things of God. We all ask things of loved ones, but in a healthy relationship that is part of the give and take of things, and a request includes the words please and thank you. It comes as a reasonable part of a loving relationship, not a whining demand - in a healthy relationship anyway. And so it should be with God.