Lectionary Reading Advent 4
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, all my days; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1
Reading. 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16. King David had set up his palace in Jerusalem and David’s inclination was that the Ark of the Covenant needed to be housed in a more appropriate place. The idea to build a temple to house the Ark seemed like a good idea but Nathan’s word back from the Lord was not to go ahead. The message that Nathan received was that the Lord had provided a house for David and gave a reaffirmation of the Lord’s ongoing blessing of David as King. God’s blessing was still with David but building a temple was not David’s task.
In most modern societies we are used to seeing places of worship and while we understand what their function is, they are of no special interest other than to those who use that building for worship. For Israel the Temple was more than simply a place of worship it was a bridge which linked heaven and earth together: Here was the place where people met with the imminent presence of God. During the wilderness wandering the tabernacle was the sign of God’s presence among the people. In the tabernacle Moses met with God face to face and so the tabernacle was the assurance of the Lord’s protective presence. Now that the nation lived a more settled existence the Ark was now the sign of God’s presence. However in an environment where the king lived in a palace, the Temple was now to become the sign of God’s presence among the people. David wanted to take control of building a temple for the Lord but that was not God’s plan. 1 Chronicles chapter 22 for example records that David as a warrior was not to be the one to build the temple which would honour the Lord.. The building of the temple was to be Solomon’s task, as directed by God. The temple was more than the sign of Lord’s presence it reminded the nation that Israel was called to be under the Lord’s control. The delay only emphasised that while David was king, it was the Lord who made the overall decisions for the welfare of the nation.
Prayer. Lord, we know that no building can contain you, for the whole of creation is yours, and to you alone all things owe their existence. Yet at all times and in all places we can turn to you and offer our prayers of thanks and praise. So Lord, hear us as we offer once again our praise to the glory of your name. We live in a time of change and many find their lives disrupted, many are suffering from loneliness and isolation; many are separated from loved ones, from family and friends. Many are grieving through the loss of loved ones. At this time when we rejoice at the coming of our Saviour, may we also rejoice, as you bring the comfort that our worldwide society needs at this time. May the promise of peace on earth and goodwill to all settle in hearts and lives to bring comfort and hope through the name of Jesus, the Saviour; who was and is and is to come! To you be all glory and praise; now and forever. Amen
Reading. Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26. This portion of Psalm 89 reminded the readers of the faithful promises made to King David. His was the kingdom which saw the nation of Israel rise in both unity and power. David had united the twelve tribes and had established a safe and secure environment for the people. Hundreds of years later the psalmist looks back to that time, recognising that all that David achieved was the direct consequence of God’s blessing and ongoing faithfulness. God honoured the promises and David was successful. After David’s reign the nation quickly fell into disunity and the tribes once more divided into two kingdoms. With waning power and influence, disaster followed and other nations grew in power and dispersed the tribes by sending them into exile. In such an unsettled time the psalmist looks back not only to the glory days of King David but more importantly to the faithfulness of God. Yes, King David was great but God is greater, and it is God who will see the nation through the times of deep distress, bringing them to a secure and peaceful existence once more.
With our Advent theme in mind, the psalm reminds us all that God’s promises are everlasting and no matter what the circumstances of life bring, God has a way through. The kingdom promises of David now are to be fulfilled under the kingship of Jesus Christ who’s “throne will last as long as the heavens endure”. With this in mind, all of God’s people can turn to God with faith and trust, knowing that all things are safe when placed into God’s hands.
Prayer. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. Isaiah 25:9 (NRSV)
Faithful God, in all things we look to you with confidence, knowing that your kingdom cannot fail. In every circumstance you will deliver us, protecting and guiding us with you mighty hand. Trusting in your faithful love, keep us we pray, that we may walk in full obedience to your call, may your word be a light to our path and a lamp for our feet. Grant that we may draw our strength from you, and with thankful hearts; know the security of your protective care. This we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Collect. Let us pray (as Advent draws to a close that Christ will truly come into our hearts): Lord, fill our hearts with your love, and as you revealed to all humanity by an angel the coming of your Son to dwell amongst us, so lead us through his suffering and death to the glory of his resurrection; for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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