Sunday Summary: Who really is God?

This week's scripture comes to us from Isaiah 66:12-13 (ERV):

This is what the Lord says: Look, I will give Jerusalem peace that will flow in like a river. Wealth from all the nations will come flowing into her like a flood. And like little babies, you will drink that ‘milk.’ I will hold you in my arms, and bounce you on my knees. I will comfort you like a mother comforting her child. You will be comforted in Jerusalem.

What might God look like? When you imagine God, do you think of a bearded, old, white man? Does he bear an uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus, minus the red velvet suit? Hold that thought.

Cody shared a story from his youth. He grew up on a farm in a small, ND community, where his parents raised cattle. One of the daily chores was checking on the herd, and it was a task he looked forward to, as it was a chance to ride the 3-wheeler with his dad. 

One spring, during calving season, the 3-wheeler quit out in the field and his dad had to pull start it to get it running again. They jumped off and dad started tinkering. Meanwhile, young Cody was looking around at the nearby cattle and spotted "Old Blue," a particularly ornery, old cow who had recently given birth to a calf. She wasn't typically the friendly sort, and on this day, she seemed notably agitated by their presence. His father quickly got the machine running and grabbed young Cody, tossing him onto the 3-wheeler in one fell swoop.

Upon returning home, he asked his dad about the event. Dad explained that she was protecting her child, and might have charged them to defend her calf from their (perceived) harm. 

Lesson learned: There is no greater warrior than a mother protecting her child. (N.K. Jemisin)

All bets are off when it comes to mothers defending their young, animals and humans alike. It's a hard-wired instinct; a universal truth.

Speaking from his experience and that of others, Cody talked about global feeding ministries, and that "if you give the food to the women, the village will be fed." The women nurture and care for the village, by feeding the children first and distributing the food fairly. If given to the men first, they often try to play politics.

The Bible describes God in many ways, often using masculine language. God is presented as a law-giver, a warrior, a judge. But God is also described as compassionate and nurturing. It is a book written by human beings, attempting to interpret and understand God.

It is worth considering that God likely transcends our understanding, our perception, our language, and our physical realm. Our attempts to characterize God always fall short. God is more than masculine or feminine descriptions, beyond the concept of male and female, and yet includes some of those traits we see in ourselves. God is bigger than that, though, and simply can't be put in a box. To quote Shakespeare's Hamlet,

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

Written by Kay Weiss, guest blogger

:: IN THE COMING WEEKS :: Your Questions Answered Explored11.24 What's the Deal with Denominations?