So here we go again. Only 200 or so days to go! Not done much today because the rain kept me from bullying the Tache. Always tomorrow though Cadman! Onto business then,
Today’s readings
2 Samuel 5:6-6:23
Acts 1:23-2:21
Psalms 69:29-36
So we continue in 2 Samuel with David smashing his way through any tribe he can lay his eyes on! Or so it seems at least. In fact this isn't God ordering wholesale destruction but David working to restore God in Israel so that His people can return to worship Him. It's not a smash and grab for land but a removal of those tribes who are threatening the Jewish people and thus threatening God's plan. We need to remember not to think of goodies and baddies even though that's how the Old Testament likes to write it. All the people mentioned are like us and are guilty of making mistakes. Even David makes a mistake in this passage by fearing God so much that he stops trying to honour and praise Him even. We should be in awe of God but that awe and fear of the power should be turned into praise and joy!
And what joy David shows! Dancing through the streets with his royal knees on show! Oh the scandal!! It makes me think though of when we really worship God and the joy that comes from realising how flipping blessed and loved we are! Worship can be a lot of things whether it's reverent, meditational or lively but it should be about joy most of all and we should come to worship with a focus on the power that loves us and cares for us and has provided for us in so many ways!
Into the New Testament we funky chicken (Joel might not notice me slipping it in here...) and we get Pentecost or when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples. So the cool thing about this is obviously that it's applicable today. God's never stopped being there for us and never stopped loving us but the Holy Spirit means we are His direct messengers. We're called to do His work and use His power to accomplish it. How awesome a thought! I think sometimes people limit the Holy Spirit to helping them when they're in trouble and forget that the purpose of this element of God is to strengthen and protect us as we go and spread the truth. Amen to that!!
Finally our Psalm tells us that despite all the pain and the suffering that we might feel, we should remember our inheritance and our calling to be God's people and should praise and worship for the time that is to come. Hard to do all the time but when we do get the opportunity to praise we need to throw ourselves into it and not be scared of who else is watching or thinking. It's us relishing how awesome our God is and showing Him so through our hearts and souls.
And that's your lot for today. Yesterday's song is here. As always, let me know any thoughts you have on what you've read here or on facebook,
Jon
www.facebook.com/british.hedgehog
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