ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
February 26, 2026
On Sunday, we will read together the words, “Be still before the Lord…” The Oxford Jewish Bible translates it as, “Rest in Hashem…” (Hashem literally means ‘the name,’ and it is the Jewish way of avoiding saying the sacred name of God). With that said, I’m intrigued by the preposition in this phrase — before or in. Whether we are being still or resting, they both convey proximity. And I don’t believe we need to go anywhere so that we are somehow physically in the presence of God. Since I believe God is already everywhere and thus already present to us, the preposition is about attitude or awareness. How often in life am I utterly oblivious to something extraordinary? I remember driving late into the night to a cabin. We arrived close to midnight, and thank goodness there were some outdoor lights, otherwise we would have struggled to find the front door. I was exhausted and slept in. The next morning, well after sunrise, I stepped into the living room where there were some big windows that overlooked a beautiful valley. It was breathtaking. For close to 10 hours, I slept in the dark, completely unaware of what was outside my window. My proximity to the beautiful valley didn’t change, but when the light came on, I was suddenly awestruck by what had been there all night. It might not be the best analogy, but I do believe we can go through life unmoved and unaware of God who patiently waits for us to see what is already revealed in the brilliance of divine glory. I only needed to wake up and take notice.
Thank you for your presence that appears unaffected by my awareness. Thank you, Sacred Hashem, for waiting for me to be still and rest and awaken to you. Amen.
