Faith and Truth

There is so much truth that we can take from Exodus, if we can just put down our modern sensibilities and consult that ancient wisdom that lies deep within each of us. Among the most important lessons that we can derive is the repeated bludgeoning of the ineffective tactic of trying to provide "proof" of God to those who are neither willing nor prepared to receive God. It's a great fucking story, that runs a few different levels.

First level: Moses himself. Moses by virtue of this faith, has been chosen by God to free His chosen people. He is God's Instrument in this particular situation. (henceforth "Moses" will be referred to as "Mo", in deference to my mortarmen. IFYKYK) Lotta back and forth in this. Mo doesn't think he's worthy. Mo doesn't want the responsibility. Mo has doubts. One can understand. It's a heavy, heavy burden, and one that takes a special kind of madness to take up and do the Thing appropriately.

@wayofftheres

talks about this.

Mo eventually agrees and goes about doing the Thing. How to convince folks of his cause? Won't they just think I'm fucking crackers? This is the first level: even though Mo has PROOF, Mo lacks FAITH in himself. He had to get past that before he began his work. God nudged him.

So God said, "What's that in your hand?" Mo: "A staff" God: "Heh. Check it out."

So it's fucking PROOF, right? But Mo needed the FAITH in himself (and by extension, what God was telling him). So God went through several examples of proof. Finally, armed with this, Mo felt confident enough to go and do the Thing.

The hour is late and the flesh is weak, so I'll wind up the first level with a few observations. 1) Perception & knowledge differ by virtue of our willingness to accept the reality of what we perceive. Failure to do so results in us lying to ourselves.

2) Demanding proof in order to have faith is a fool's game. You know truth in your heart the moment that you perceive it. Refusal to act in a manner that is required by virtue of that truth is a moral failure.

3) Demanding MOAR proof is just stubbornness and rationalizing of what is right in front of you. You know what you should be doing in your heart. Some of it will require you to change. Some of it will require sacrifice of things you like.

Change is ubiquitous, whether you like it or not. Sacrifice is your duty as an adult human being, no matter how much you'd like to take it easy. Have faith in your ability to become what you're meant to be. Get after it, fella. 2nd Level tomorrow night.