Today's readings are 1 Samuel 5.1-6.3, 1 Samuel 6.10-16, Acts 18.1-11, and Acts 18.23-28.
In yesterday's readings we saw the Ark of the Covenant captured by the Philistines. In today's reading we see that God is quite able to take care of himself. He does not allow the idol Dagon to stand unharmed before his presence. He brings suffering on those who would try to hold him captive. He arranges for the return of the ark to Israel, even directing the untrained draft animals in the way they should carry the ark home.
One of the difficulties we have to encounter in this reading is that of the presence of God. We confess that God is omnipresent, that He is present everywhere at all times. So what do we do with the Scriptural passages that seem to indicate God is specially present in the ark, in the tabernacle, behind the veil in the temple, or in the hearts of genuine believers? In the final analysis we end up with a picture of God who is everywhere at all times but who does somehow make himself specially available in certain times and places. Hence we can see the ark actually has the very real and powerful presence of God. This is why the priests who entered into the most holy place on a yearly basis would have a rope tied to them in case they needed to be dragged out. This is why we say God dwells in his believers in a special way. This is why we are able, in some way, to discuss a church building as "God's house." It explains why some believers make special gestures, such as bowing before the communion altar or the cross, places where we have a special understanding of Christ's presence and work. It explains why most Christians can confess the real bodily presence of Christ in communion. He is specially present there for his people.
Let us always remember that God is present where he has promised to be present. We dare not exalt anything against God at any time. But we always want to be especially sensitive to his promised presence where he says he will be. So we confess and remember his promise to his disciples, that as they are going, baptizing and teaching, that he is with them to the end of the world.
Lord, remind us of your presence.
In yesterday's readings we saw the Ark of the Covenant captured by the Philistines. In today's reading we see that God is quite able to take care of himself. He does not allow the idol Dagon to stand unharmed before his presence. He brings suffering on those who would try to hold him captive. He arranges for the return of the ark to Israel, even directing the untrained draft animals in the way they should carry the ark home.
One of the difficulties we have to encounter in this reading is that of the presence of God. We confess that God is omnipresent, that He is present everywhere at all times. So what do we do with the Scriptural passages that seem to indicate God is specially present in the ark, in the tabernacle, behind the veil in the temple, or in the hearts of genuine believers? In the final analysis we end up with a picture of God who is everywhere at all times but who does somehow make himself specially available in certain times and places. Hence we can see the ark actually has the very real and powerful presence of God. This is why the priests who entered into the most holy place on a yearly basis would have a rope tied to them in case they needed to be dragged out. This is why we say God dwells in his believers in a special way. This is why we are able, in some way, to discuss a church building as "God's house." It explains why some believers make special gestures, such as bowing before the communion altar or the cross, places where we have a special understanding of Christ's presence and work. It explains why most Christians can confess the real bodily presence of Christ in communion. He is specially present there for his people.
Let us always remember that God is present where he has promised to be present. We dare not exalt anything against God at any time. But we always want to be especially sensitive to his promised presence where he says he will be. So we confess and remember his promise to his disciples, that as they are going, baptizing and teaching, that he is with them to the end of the world.
Lord, remind us of your presence.
--
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogger.com
No comments:
Post a Comment