We learn:
After Pharaoh's first refusal,
after the Jewish people's burden increases because of his words,
Moshe can't imagine redemption
We seek
Redemption
now, too
but it’s getting harder and harder to imagine
Tyrants abound
Elevated to the highest offices of power
like kings or
God-forbid
gods
I fear the future.
I too, ask God to make me sure
of speech
worthy of leadership
Ready
for whatever might be coming
Adonai open up my lips…
I am slow of tongue
I am just a fragile human
Send someone else?
But no.
I put myself forward long ago with Isaiah’s words:
Hineni
and I will not be a reluctant Jeremiah now
just because it’s growing dark
and darker
Into Your hands I entrust my
Spirit
When things are uncertain
When danger seems close at hand
And if my spirit departs from me
If I stumble
or tremble
or balk
Remind me
that You are with me
And I will (try) not (to) fear
Moshe, alone, cannot imagine redemption
Only when he is joined by them,
brother speaking, sister dancing
Only when they stand together
some praying and others forging ahead
Only then
does the path to redemption
appear
With thanks to Rabbi Tali Adler for the opening lines of inspiration