THE BIBLE – TODAY’S TREASURE HUNT
COMMENT FOR PENTECOST 6 – 16-07-06
2 Samuel 6: 1-5, 12b-19 Link
The Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 37-40) was modeled on Noah’s Ark (Gen.6:14-16)
It was the Israelite’s guarantee of safety on the way to the Promised Land. It became a most sacred object so it was brought to Jerusalem with great respect and care. When it was set up, sacrifices were performed and there was a distribution of food, a sign of God’s spiritual care.
Psalm 24 Link
This psalm reads like one for general use or in the autumn festivals. Their God was Creator of all this bounty. Therefore the faithful believer has a strong and joyful confidence in the spiritual care of such a powerful God. But he must then accept the absolute claims of this God. In the third section God comes again in His own time as King. For Christians this rich piece of Hebrew poetry is celebrated every year in the Advent of God in Jesus.
Ephesians 1: 4-13 Link
Paul knew the Ephesian congregation well. Read about his goodbye in Acts 20: 17-38. Now he writes from his prison in Rome and explains his understanding of the love and free grace of God lived out in the person and work of Jesus. He believes that the peoples response in faith at this point in human history brings into fruition the eternal purpose of the eternal spiritual power we call God.
Mark 6: 14 -29 Link
Mark tries to describe the Jesus model of power as the life and love, the eternal spiritual energy of God – like that of the sun. He contrasts in detail the Herod model – revenge inspired death. We know this model, we saw it in the 9/11 event, the military “shock and awe” invasion of Iraq, in the cruelty of Bali and the cycle of attack and revenge between Israeli and Palestinian. Which model do you prefer?
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