THE BIBLE – TODAY’S TREASURE HUNT
COMMENT FOR THE REIGN OF CHRIST- 26-11-06
2 Samuel 23: 1-7
When reading the Old Testament we try to distinguish between the social pressures of the time and the leading of the Spirit of God. So David, a man of the 10th century BCE, is at times opportunistic and cruel; but he also responds to the prophet, Nathan, claims the covenant promise and tries to be a king responsible for the welfare of his people.
Psalm 132: 13-18
This is a song for the celebration for the Temple in Jerusalem and for the kingship of David. In the years before the exile David’s kingship, the temple and Jerusalem was honoured by psalms such as this. But our interest is in the climax of the Pentecost experience, building on Christ’s resurrection where the victory of the Cross stands out in all history.
Revelation 1: 4b-8
This inspired piece of writing has a message from John while under sentence during persecution and working on the Island of Patmos. In all the churches, Christians are encouraged to think of Jesus before the Roman authorities, and how he gave his witness to the power of God.
John 18: 33-37
The drama of this trial features the struggle between Roman and Jewish authorities. But John’s story tells of a deeper conflict. Jesus, the victim, speaks of truth. He calls us to see the work of the eternally creative spiritual energies of God being played out in a once for all time struggle. Only Jesus believed that his death would establish his reign.
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