Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
MONDAY, March 22 (James De Koven)
Exodus 4:10-20(21-26)27-31. I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak.
This chapter in Exodus gives us the four voices in which Moses could speak to Israel and to Pharaoh, the same voices we have been using ever since.
The first is symbolized by the rod become snake. This is the way of force and fear. People can be frightened into obedience by the show of power.
The second voice is that of mystery and magic. Moses, in making his hand leprous at will, appealed to magic. This is the promise of a panacea to cure all ills. We look for it in technology and politics; wonder drugs are not confined to medicine.
The third voice is that of authority, illustrated by Aaron the priest. The appeal here is to tradition. At best it is second-hand and derived. For all its impressive rite and ceremony, the power sometimes goes out of it.
The only satisfactory appeal is through our own personal experience and witness. Like Moses, we may seem to be slow of speech, but we cannot foist our task off on any Aaron. We dare not say, "Send some other person." Not by the voice of force, magic, or authority, but only in the voice of personal concern and commitment will the message be heard. (1971)
PRAY for the Diocese of Bukavu (Congo)
Ps 31 * 35; 1 Corinthians 14:1-19; Mark 9:30-41
A Meditation for Pentecost
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