Luke 1:26-45, 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Paul Stroble
A devotion written for our church for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Our lesson from 2 Samuel concerns God’s promise to David for an everlasting dynasty. David wants to build a house (the Temple) for God. Speaking through the prophet Nathan God tells David—perhaps sternly, perhaps lightheartedly—that God has been with the people and with David for so long and so faithfully. The question of a house for God has never come up before now! But God has an alternative idea: “Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established forever” (vs. 16).
Remember that David was only the second king over the people. As reflected in 1 Samuel, there wasn’t even certainty that a human monarchy for Israel was a good idea at all. But now, God promises a kingdom. God is committed to that kingdom, which will be everlasting. Our lesson plays on the word “house,” with the meaning of Temple, and “house” meaning a succession of descendants on the throne.
The New Interpreter’s Bible reminds us that a monarch is necessarily involved in social and political issues. When we affirm Jesus as King in the house of David, we are also saying that God has us involved in the often messy and difficult realities of society. If you want to find God, look for the people who are in need and who want justice; that’s where God is! As my classmate Dr. Marcia Riggs writes in our devotional, “God stands with those who are marginalized.” Matthew 25:31-46 is always a good reminder of that.
That’s where we start to feel lonely and frustrated. Social problems are so much bigger than any single person can fix. as we dream about ways of serving the Lord in the world, we are never alone. The Lord is with us, and we have friends in our congregation, and in other congregations.
Our scripture from Luke is the story of Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, and Mary’s visit to Elizabeth.
Whenever I have an emergency, I need to talk to someone about it right away. It helps me have perspective. I don’t have to feel like the burden is all mine to bear. Gabriel’s announcement to Mary was definitely unexpected! This was a turning point for her entire life. So, she went to see her older relative Elizabeth. Once there, she learned that Elizabeth was herself six months pregnant.
Through the Spirit’s power, Elizabeth affirmed four related things: (1) Mary is blessed because she has been chosen to be the mother of the Savior. (2) Her faith in God’s promises makes her blessed. (3) Elizabeth declares the lordship for the baby in Mary’s womb. (4) The movement of Elizabeth’s own child is a sign of God’s blessing, for the child “leaped for joy” at the sound of Mary’s greeting.
It's commonplace to reflect that God works in unconventional ways, often among people who do not have great power or influence. Our 2 Samuel lesson recalls the fact that David was the youngest and perhaps least impressive of his brothers when God instructed Samuel to choose him. Certainly, Mary and Elizabeth seemed outwardly like everyday people.
The surprise and subtlety of God’s grace gives us confidence as we dream of ways to serve the Lord. At any given moment, what is God up to? Look around in unexpected places: a manger, and many others.
No comments:
Post a Comment