THE BIBLE – TODAY’S TREASURE HUNT
COMMENT FOR PENTECOST 8 – 30-07-06
2 Samuel 11: 1-15
The hopes of Nathan the prophet were focused on David the young Shepherd King as he set up his home in Jerusalem, complete with his many wives and concubines (2 Sam 5-13). Then followed this sordid, cruel story. The shepherd – protector – becomes the predator as he uses his power for his own gratification.
Psalm 14
This sad little song is a lament over the loss of standards in Israel’s national life. The ones who rule are fools, not in the sense of being atheists, but because they live for profit and power in ignorance of the reality of God. They deny what is true and just, and make the poor work harder for the comfort of the powerful. This means saying in your heart “there is no God”.
Ephesians 3: 14-21
This inspired piece of writing is best read slowly and thoughtfully, feeling the weight of the words, phrases and sentences. Imagine Paul physically confined in his prison cell in Rome, but so in touch with the reality of the love of God in Christ that he can communicate that reality to us centuries and worlds away in time and space.
John 6: 1-21
The eastern shore is called by that Roman dominated area the Sea of Tiberias. Here are people hungry for a quality of living they find in Jesus. They are fed with divine, overflowing generosity. Jesus will not be distracted and goes off by himself away from the crowds. As evening comes the disciples set off by boat across the northern tip of the sea. Was it moonlight, being close to Passover? Did Jesus walk around toward Capernaum? Are we touching here something of the mystery of the spiritual life?
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