I find the Old Testament readings at times a bit confusing… or at times they seem on the surface to reflect a God that is different from my understanding. At these times, I have to go back and read again to see just what jumps out at me.
This morning’s first reading is from the Book of Judges (Judges 2:11-19). And one thing did jump at at me. In the middle of describing the travails and hardships of the Israelites, and how God was offended because they worshiped other gods, etc. I see this: ” Abandoning the LORD, the God of their fathers…” and “Because they had thus abandoned him…” Even in this tale of what happened, they abandoned God, but God did not abandon them. And later I see that “the Lord took pity on them.”
That seems to be the story over and over and over again. Come back to me with all your heart. I will never abandon you.
What joy!