Oh my goodness! We sure had much to consider over my vacation, didn't we? The end of Judges, the book of Ruth, the beginning of Samuel's story...and then the wonderful story of the end of Jesus' ministry and his farewell to his disciples in John's Gospel. So, today, this blog may be a bit longer as I want to touch on a few things we read over this week.
The Book of Ruth: such a beautiful parable/story of what it means to be the church. A blessed community that blesses. Did you notice that Ruth asks God to bless Boaz, and then she takes actions that make that prayer of blessing come true (marriage and children) for Boaz? And Boaz asks God to bless Ruth and Naomi, and then he takes action to make that blessing come true for them as well? This is what it means to be the church---to take in foreigners (Ruth) as family, to provide security and a future for others, and to act in ways that God's blessing on them may be their truth. To act in accordance with: "Your people will be my people, and your God, my God." (Ruth 1:16)
And then in 1 Samuel, we get the wonderful story of Hannah, who pours out her heart to the LORD. Hannah's song in chapter 2 parallels the Magnificat of Mary which Luke tells us in his gospel---a song of the reversal of fortunes that signify the nearness of God's Kingdom. (2:4-8)
And then, when Eli's sons are corrupting their power and status, Eli warns them and asks: "If someone sins against someone else, God can intercede; but if someone sins against the LORD, who will intercede for them?"
A good question, and one which God answers: I will establish for myself a trustworthy priest who will act in accordance with my thoughts and desires. (2:35)
We who live post-Resurrection, we know that this trustworthy priest is Christ---our great high priest---who acts according to God's will. And because Jesus acts in this way, and because we are commanded to be as Jesus, this call (heard by Samuel) is our call---to act in accordance with God's thoughts and desires.
We see in chapters 4-6 of 1 Samuel, through the people's beliefs and actions, their continuing fear toward God's power---their fear about encountering God in close proximity. Oh, how this must have grieved God. The people think they must provide a sacrifice....but the only sacrifice God asks of us is to allow our hearts to be transformed---changed into the heart of Jesus. Jesus, who tore the temple curtain, who removed all obstacles between humanity and God. Because God deeply desires to be in intimate relationship with us---Incarnation. "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love." (John 14:9)
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