THE BIBLE – TODAY’S TREASURE HUNT
COMMENT FOR PENTECOST 7 - 23-07-06
2 Samuel 7: 1-14a
This is a crucial time in the history of the Hebrew people. Kingship is now invested in David’s family and worship is centralized in Jerusalem, the city of David. But Nathan the prophet worries about David’s proposal to build a permanent home for the Ark of the Covenant. Perhaps the “free, risky, otherness of their God could best be encountered in a fragile tent”. (With Love to the World 21-07-06, p44).
Psalm 89: 20-37
Enemies are sometimes too powerful for this emerging nation. In alarm, people ask where is the steadfast love of their God. They have a hopeful, idealized memory of how the Covenant worked out under David, a conviction that it is the eternal, kingly reign of God reflected in David’s earthly and earthy rule which restores hope. People may forget their God, but are never forgotten by Him.
Ephesians 2: 11-22
It was Paul’s road to Damascus experience which made him realize the Abraham Covenant was with men. Read of the Ephessis riot in support of Artemis and her Temple.(Acts 19: 21-41). Now he argues that male domination and walls and exclusive rules can promote ethnic, religious and cultural pride on both sides. But being faithful to Christ brings peace to all without distinction; this is God’s plan for peace, a new spiritual creation.
Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56
It is best to read also the intervening verses. The complete picture is one of incredible, creative spiritual energy lavishly available. The people are just as hungry for spiritual nourishment. They need Jesus’ time, his compassion, as he made real to them the generous, sustaining love of God as hunger and disease were overcome, and there was still more nourishment available. What a contrast is today’s combative, competitive and warlike world!
Click on the reference for a link to the bible text.
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