Completeness

As I study the flood story, there are lots of interpretations and facts and commentary that state things that I already know to be true, or that seem inconsequential, Lord, in actually living the text. For example, there is the fact that the words "the whole earth" could have been more limited than the actual whole earth, because the writer would not have known how large the earth really was and could just have been talking about the flooding of all they knew. That's an interesting little thought, but what am I going to do with that. It's kind of cool to think about how language can communicate different ideas, but there is very little there to apply.

So instead of the larger flood narrative, let me start with a small, pre-diluvian detail (how 'bout them big words?!).

"Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth." Genesis 6:9-10

The thing here Lord, is the way that Noah is described. First of all, righteous and blameless. So he lived a life of good deeds. While obviously this doesn't mean that his life was sinless (we later find him drunk after the flood) but that there was a certain high moral quality to his life. Doing right must have been important to him, certainly in Your comparison of him to everyone else.

The third statement in how Noah is described is that he walked with You. It indicates some sort of relationship with You. In addition to his life of good deeds he also took time to spend with You. Noah's life, apparently, could be summed up by what later Jesus calls the greatest commandments. Noah loved God (walked with You) and loved others (was righteous and blameless).

I find it interesting then that there are three descriptors about Noah (righteous, blameless, and walked). In ancient language the three is a number indicating completeness. His relationship to You is complete, it contains every facet and attribute needed. I'm sure that is why You decided to start over with him. I'm sure that these are the characteristics that You love to see when You start anything with anyone. The completeness of one's character spills over into whatever they are doing.

Even with Noah's sons, you see this continual mention of threes, as if re-emphasizing it. Noah has a relationship with You that is complete, he has a complete family. He is ready to be used.

So, how about me? This is how I'd describe me: intermittently complete.

There are certainly times when I am being blameless before You, periods that last from hours to weeks. Just like I assume with Noah, this doesn't mean that I'm perfect, but that there is a high moral quality to my life and my days are oftened defined by others, not selfishness.

There are times when I walk with You, and then there are long stretches when I do not. But how can I really be ready to use if I am not complete and much more consistent? Certainly, life is the struggle to stay in connection with You and Your way. Can You give me the strength to struggle? Even beyond that, all of us who lead at Exodus Community need this type of completeness. A walk with You and and unselfishness of action. can You help us? Will You?

I ask these questions for I am ready and willing to be used, to lead forth for You. But I know that only You, and within the contexts of a relationship with You, can my weakness be taken and made complete. I pray that You will complete me.

Lord, who is Yourself a complete three-in-one,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
I pray to You.

Lord, who is Yourself completely holy,
not selfish but good,
I pray to You.

Lord, who is Yourself completely seeking
relationship with man,
I pray to You.

Complete me in Your holiness,
empty me of selfishness,
prepare me for Your service.

Complete me in our relationship,
seek out my companionship,
prepare me for Your service.

Complete me, as I hold Your thoughts
close to my heart and hands,
let me live and not forget.

Amen.