IN THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BIBLE LESSON May 12, 2008 Issue

IMMORTALITY IN A LIFE STORY

MICHAEL HAMILTON

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BIBLE LESSON for this week, "Mortals and Immortals," includes a substantial look at the early career of Moses, as narrated in the book of Exodus. Sections II through V trace the events of Moses' birth, young manhood, fugitive flight, and marriage, and conclude their portrait just where we are often accustomed to "meeting" Moses in the text: his encounter with God at a burning bush.

Although the meaning of Moses' name is ambiguous (perhaps derived from an Egyptian word for "child," or "son," or alliterative with the Hebrew word meaning "to draw out"), his life story is painted in bold strokes. Many scholars agree that the book of Exodus draws on oral traditions and earlier documents that are no longer extant, woven together by editors and explaining the significance of the Hebrews' movement from slavery to freedom. It is in this larger context that Moses' life gains its significance, and its appeal. In many ways he individualizes the struggles of his people—and of all humanity—for survival, justice, meaning, and immortality.

Immortality? Is that a little presumptuous? On the contrary. As I studied this Lesson, Moses' life story stood out as a recurring pattern of proofs that he was not at the mercy of death. Instead, the mercy of Spirit, God, preserved his life in unexpected ways.