Today’s texts reveal that it is no easy thing to live out a developing faith tradition. The Psalm rehearses the remembered history, warts and all, as a basis for confidence in YHWH, whose necessarily harsh discipline (see the Exodus link) has moulded Israel as a “people of promise.” Nevertheless, Paul argues from Abraham’s example that the faith relationship eclipses all rites, deeds and external symbolisms.
Though the road be long
And full of risks, twists and turns
Salvation is there.
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Promise not denied
Conditions fully applied
Tough love makes us wince
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“Tis tough to receive
without thought of strings attached
Rather, grace abounds
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Wondering Pilgrim 