. . . if we are faithless, [Christ] remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

— 2 Timothy 2:13

When our children were young, we visited an aquarium that had a glass tunnel through the middle. As we walked along, we saw sharks and ­other fish swimming all around us. I have often wondered if the Israelites’ experience of walking through the Red Sea was similar. Did they see fish swimming in the walls of water alongside their path? We can’t be sure. Besides, it was nighttime. Even so, the light of God was there to show the way (Exodus 14).

Sadly, the Israelites soon forgot their miraculous deliverance. After a few days in the desert without finding water, they started grumbling and complaining about their situation (Exodus 15:22-16:3). God provided them with plenty of water and food, and yet soon they were grumbling again. Throughout the Old Testament we see repeated patterns of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. And yet God remained faithful.

When Jesus came, the Jews and other Israelite descendants were still God’s people—not because of their faithfulness but because of God’s—and so it remains today.

The words of the Holy Spirit are true. Though we are unfaithful, our Lord is always faithful. May we marvel today that even when we are unfaithful, God forgives us and remains faithful, keeping all of his promises to us.

“Great is your faithfulness, O God.” Holy Spirit, continue your good work in us and help us to be faithful to you in our thoughts, our words, and our deeds. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.