Dear Readers and Listeners, Friends in Jesus Christ,
Our watchword for today is taken from Psalm 3, verses 2 and 3, “Many are saying to me, “There is no help for you in God.” But you, O Lord, you are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head,” (NRSVB). King David, the poet of our psalm, found himself fleeing from his own son, Absalom, who rose an army against his father, threatening to claim the throne and control the army. David was devastated, for, despite his son’s rebellion, he loved him and foresaw that this uprising would meet with a terrible outcome. With the concern of a father for his son, but also a king for his people, David decided to flee in the interim, while his general of the army planned a military strategy. The king’s heart was broken at the uprising of his son, but he also wanted to have peace in Israel and avoid a civil war.
Given this background, the bleak picture of David’s situation becomes apparent. David cried out in fear and anguish to the Lord and prayed to God to continue to guide and protect him. His adversaries were mocking him and questioning whether God would help him in this calamity. David called to God and asked him to keep him from being ashamed, and being defeated in this uprising. He was comforted, for he was convinced that God would shield him, for he glorified and magnified God’s name. God allowed him to keep his head high, he was not ashamed, for God defended him and affirmed his kingdom anew. History tells us that David was victorious in the battle against Absalom, God truly rose up and saved him, for salvation belongs to the Lord.
The story of the uprising of a favourite child against a parent, or a favourite advisor against a leader, causing grave consequences for many, is not unique. We read throughout history of these events, plunging nations into civil wars and families into feuds. The fall of the great leader of the Roman Empire, Julius Caesar, was no less accomplished by his own closest friend, Brutus. The annals of the history of the world have been littered with accounts of uprisings between brothers, family members, and political allies and friends, leading to disaster in the kingdoms and great tumult for the subjects. The Apostle Peter warns the leadership of the churches that they should stand firm and guard against division in the congregations, caused by proud and contemptuous leaders who wanted to usurp the faithful leaders. We read in the first letter of Peter, Chapter Four, verses 5 to 10, “Therefore humble yourselves, thus demote and lower yourselves in you own estimation, and be under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you. Be vigilant and cautious at all times; for the enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring, seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him and be firm in faith, for after you have suffered for a little while, Christ will himself, complete you and make you what you ought to be, and establish and ground you, strengthen and settle you,” (Amplified Bible).
Mary, the mother of our Lord, was absolutely over-awed when the angel came and told her that she was chosen to be the Mother of the Saviour of the World. She prayed with the words of Hannah, the mother of the first prophet of Israel, Samuel, and blessed the Lord stating, “The mighty one has done great things for me, and holy is his name,” Luke 1 verse 49, (NRSVB). The special estate of Mary was not seen by those around her, and at that time she was reviled and rejected as well, her child born in a stable. When she came into the temple with Joseph, as they came to have Jesus blessed and brought their offerings of purification, the faithful Simeon told her that a sword would pierce her heart, in order that the secret purposes of many hearts may be brought out and disclosed. There will always be pain involved in becoming an instrument of good, for the world is blinded to the blessings that God bestows and wishes to conquer through power, fear and war. Jesus assures us, My peace I give unto you. This is not a fleeting peace that is here today and gone tomorrow, for it is not based on the temporary, but it is soul-peace, based on life ever-lasting. Despite the outward circumstances, we can have perfect peace.
Father, we bless your holy Name, and ask that you will guide us and keep us from stumbling. Help us to call on your guidance and not to trust in our own powers of understanding and discernment, but to keep our eyes fixed on you, the One who perfects that which concerns us, Amen.