An Instance of the Fingerpost

An Instance of the Fingerpost
(a brief Lectionary reflection by Steve Orr)

One of my all time favorite novels is "An Instance of the Fingerpost" by Ian Pears. It combines historical fiction, a compelling murder mystery, and fascinating characters. And, just to keep things interesting, the book is comprised of four different accounts of the "facts" as told by four different characters! Unlike many mysteries where the "reveal" comes at the end, skipping to the end of this book doesn't help; the only way to really understand what happened is to read each of the four accounts. I've never read a book quite like it. It's one of those handful that I re-read every few years.

But, an odd title; right? What, you may be wondering, is a Fingerpost? And to what "Instance" is the author referring? As to the latter, you will need to read the book. I could never explain it, here; and, frankly, I hate spoilers.

As to the Fingerpost: you know this. Really. If not from your own travels, then certainly from fairytales or Saturday morning cartoons. Picture it: the travelers arrive at an intersection of roads. There, at one side, or possibly right in the center, is a post. And on it are narrow boards on which are inscribed the names of towns or other locations. Those boards may just be pointed on one end or they may actually resemble the fingers of a hand with three curled under and one pointing. In any case, these FINGERPOSTS are oriented so that they actually point toward the location inscribed on them.

These Fingerposts are very useful, especially if you are attempting to navigate in an area with which you are not all that familiar. And if they're so useful in the physical world, just think how something like that might help us on our spiritual journey. Well, I believe there ARE spiritual Fingerposts, clear signs placed by God for us to follow.

And this week's Lectionary passages are crammed full of Fingerposts!

Do you want to know what God wants? Well here are only a very few of the many "instances of the Fingerpost" to help you know:

--> In Psalm 15: do what is right, and speak the truth from your heart; do not slander (cast no slur on anyone), do no evil to friends or neighbors; honor those who fear the LORD; do not take a bribe against the innocent.

In The Message, the same passage says: "Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. Don't hurt your friend, don't blame your neighbor. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe."

-->The James passage clarifies the path we are to take on our spiritual journey: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress."

-->And, finally, from the Deuteronomy passage: be careful to always remember what God has done in your life, even if it was way in the past; and TELL YOUR CHILDREN and THEIR CHILDREN about God in your life.

Some useful signage to think about this week.

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READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
Proper 17 (22) (September 2, 2012)

Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, b6-9
Psalm 15
James 1:17-27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23


Join us if you can on Friday morning. As is our practice, we will be at Cafe Cappuccino (downtown Waco, on 6th near the Courthouse) at 8:00 to discuss this week's scripture passages and to scarf down some great food.

Um, we don't have a sign, but look for the raucous group at a horseshoe-shaped table. We'll be at the table right next to them ;-)

Enjoy the week!
Steve