A House of Promise

“Not one of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” Joshua 21:45

Perhaps because we’ve spent so much time in our house lately, or perhaps because it seems likely that this winter will have us spending even more time in our house, we decided to move some furniture around. It’s good to shake things up a bit! Our home are important to us, and rightly so. However grand or modest, it is good to have a place of comfort and peace.

As we awake this Thursday morning, we still don’t know the outcome of the presidential election. Things feel unsettled; which furniture will end up where? And what will it all mean? Will there be more or less comfort and peace for people?

The passage from today’s Daily Texts reminds us that we are part of a household beyond home or nation. In the grace of Jesus Christ, we have been grafted into the house of Israel, the people of the promise. And God keeps God’s promises, whatever else comes to pass. Here is your comfort and security, here is hope for all people.

Once this election is settled, there is work for us to do. The election isn’t the end of the story, regardless of who wins. We may be fixated on maps of blue and red, but we’re a nation populated by human beings, not data points. There are things that need to be moved around in order to make this land a better, stronger, more united house. As people of faith, children of the promise, let us commit to doing the hard work that lies before us. Let us work to make this land a better place for all who live here. As we do so, we are held in the promise that will not fail.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God of promise, we thank you for binding us to yourself through Jesus Christ. As those who have a place in your house forever, let us work for those who feel left out. Keep us mindful, Lord, of those without shelter, especially as winter nears. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: I’ve got chairs in new places.