Friday 3 October 2014

"WHO AM I LORD?" Thoughts from Today's Bible readings - Oct 3rd

“WHO AM I LORD?”

            We have 3 thought challenging readings today. Our thoughts primarily dwelt on David’s reaction to being told of a special son and that “the throne of his kingdom … I will establish forever.  I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son  … his throne shall be established forever” [1 Chron.  17 v.12-14  ]  David is overwhelmed by God’s reaction to his desire to build a Temple, especially his reference to a “son” for God! 
            The message Nathan the prophet conveyed to him – that God would “build a house” for David – meaning a royal line of descent – like those on the throne of England are of ‘the house of Windsor’-  and this house  “shall be established forever” - completely humbles David.   How many times Jesus is called, by those seeing his miracles, “Son of David” [Matt. 21 v.9,15; 22 v.42, &c] This in particular upset the religious leaders.
            It is the reaction of David that particularly attracts, nay, more than that, demands our attention!   “King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, "Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?   And this was a small thing in your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O LORD God!   And what more can David say to you for honouring your servant? For you know your servant." [v.16-18]    
            We specially notice that final observation, “for you know your servant”  That is a special sense of “know” – of having an intimate relationship – and this is wonderfully illustrated in some of David’s Psalms, Psalm 139 being a heart-moving example. We parallel this with the primary point Paul is striving to make in writing to the Galatians.  He tells them, “in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith” [3 v.26] and “heirs according to the promise” [v.29]
            Is our reaction to “the promise” in any way like Davids’ ? Do we “sit” or even kneel or lay down “before the Lord”?  If our faith is genuine there surely can be at least one or two special occasions when we will. Paul tells them, they “have come to know God, or rather to be known by God …” [4 v.9] What sense of wonder and resultant commitment this should cause us! Does it?  Is it in any way parallel to David’s reaction, “Who am I LORD?”  

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