We wait seven chapters to meet our title character, but she certainly doesn’t disappoint.
From moment one, we know that Judith is someone special. Not only does she have the social standing and verbosity to speak with the town elders, but they actually listen to her!
We should too.
How often do we act as these elders did? We put God to the test, on a deadline.
We try to barter—“Do X for me, and I’ll do Y for you.”
We convince ourselves that our plan is God’s plan, and demand that God conform to our timeline.
Judith tells us how very wrong we are; “Who are you that have put God to the test … and are setting yourselves up in the place of God …?” She reminds us that God doesn’t bend to our will. Expecting that is to break the first Commandment.
Judith (Apocrypha)
Judith (Apocrypha)
Judith 8:9-27
What an introduction!
We wait seven chapters to meet our title character, but she certainly doesn’t disappoint.
From moment one, we know that Judith is someone special. Not only does she have the social standing and verbosity to speak with the town elders, but they actually listen to her!
We should too.
How often do we act as these elders did? We put God to the test, on a deadline.
We try to barter—“Do X for me, and I’ll do Y for you.”
We convince ourselves that our plan is God’s plan, and demand that God conform to our timeline.
Judith tells us how very wrong we are; “Who are you that have put God to the test … and are setting yourselves up in the place of God …?” She reminds us that God doesn’t bend to our will. Expecting that is to break the first Commandment.
How do you place yourself above God?
Do you need to let go?
Have you gotten ahead of God?
In what way is God asking you to wait?
Karina Carr, St. Catharines.
The official communications channel of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara.
Keep on reading
Our Power, Our Planet: Earth Day Webinar Inspires Local Climate Action
Taking Root — Mini Forests and Parish Partnerships
Forming Faith Across the Diocese: Meet Monica Romig Green
Cherishing Creation: Earth Day at Incarnation
Euchre and the Meaning of Life
The Radical Christ: Reclaiming the Heart of Christianity