God.

I need to find some words, for today, that we can tell you and ask you about. 

What’s interesting to me is that when David, or whoever, talks about your law, your directions, your commands, the images are delightful. Perfect, refreshing, radiant, pure. 

Those aren’t the words that come to mind when we think about rules. We think about restrictions. We think about limitations, about strictness. 

We could be Americans, of course, raised to value independence and freedom no matter what. 

• But perhaps being beloved may be refreshing. 
• Perhaps being treasured leads to commitments. 
• Perhaps, the one who turns over temple tables isn’t merely dramatic. 
• Perhaps, in that moment, you were, God, so in love with the love of God that the idea of anything confusing us about that love was horrifying. 

Which means that ways I tell your stories, that ways we explain your ways, better not confuse people about your love. 

God, refresh our souls. 

We ask through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.