We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
 
In the sight of their ancestors he [God] worked marvels in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan. He divided the sea and let them pass through it, and made the waters stand like a heap. In the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all night long with a fiery light. (Psalm 78:4; 12-14)

As I write this devotion, I’m at Confirmation Camp. Six young people in 7th or 8th grade and another chaperone from APLC and I are spending the week at our Lutheran Camp-Cross Roads. We join with about 80 other youth and adults from around our state in living out the story of the Exodus. This is a week devoted to living out scripture and experiencing God’s story in new and creative ways. It is a week about passing on the faith to our young people, learning from their insights into God’s action in the world, and spending time in worship and recreation together.

Today was a busy day. After creating banners to represent their tribes, the students experienced the plagues (games of course) and then were led by a pillar of fire and a pillar of cloud (props made last evening) to the sea (the camp lake). There, they were led by Moses, Aaron, and Miriam as they crossed on dry land (the dam). These students from across NJ experienced scripture today in a creative and meaningful way.

Scripture is more than words we hear read from the Bible as we try to follow along in the bulletin on Sunday morning. The Biblical story is about God’s care for all of creation—from the beginning and until now and into the future. And, the Word of God isn’t stagnant. Through teaching one another about God’s story and its intersection with our own stories, God’s story, the whole church, and people are always being made new.

How does God make scripture alive for you? How does God’s story of bringing freedom from captivity inform and empower your life? How is the church part of God’s work of renewal and freedom for people?

God of life, inspire us by your Word. Let us learn from one another and teach one another about the good news that you bring. As you guided the people of Israel in the wilderness long ago, continue to guide us into the future. Amen.

Contributed by Pastor Becky
Monday August 18, 2014
Liturgical Year A: Week 38
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading: Proper 15
Thirtteenth Sunday after Pentecost