Advocacy...Bridging the Gap

Have you ever acted or spoken as an advocate? What was it like?

The Old Testament Lesson for this week, Exodus 32:7-14, tells the story of Moses' advocacy on behalf of Israel.

To be an advocate is to be the spokesperson upon the behalf of another's best interests...(and in some cases, the "best interest" may not be something that the "other" acknowledges.) Read the lesson... clearly Moses knows that what Israel needs more than anything else is an abiding, unshakeable relationship with God. And Moses knows that the covenant is assured by God's own words (even though it seems that God is on a different relational page...furious with Israel...but committed to vigorous relationship with Moses).

So Moses steps into the "gap" between God and Israel. He serves as a bridge. And as he speaks passionately to both sides the two are drawn into renewed relationship.

Of course, we know that God's people continued (and still continue) to wander, sometimes into patterns and temptations that result in cavernous gaps in their relationship with God.... but we have an advocate who bridges whatever gap occurs.

Just as Israel benefitted from Moses' advocacy so long ago, each of us today has the blessing of Christ's advocacy ... every moment that we wander into those places of mind, heart or body that may distance us from God the Holy Spirit speaks words and interecedes to cement our relationship with God.

Secure in that relationship, then, we are empowered to be radical and adventurous advocates for all people and places who suffer ... for all who are unable to "see" God's gracious abundance. As we walk through our days, the love we share in Christ bridges the gap of our human limitations and radiates to bring others into that wholeness of life as well.

Where will you speak words or do something of advocacy today?