Dear Readers and Listeners, Friends in Jesus Christ,
Our watchword for today is taken from Psalm 56 verse 13, “You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life,” (NRSVB). The heading of this psalm states that the musicians must sing these memorable thoughts of David to the tune of “Silent Dove Among Those Far Away.” History teaches us that David wrote this psalm when he was seized by the Philistines in Gath. One can understand how David would wish himself to be a dove, being able to fly away and find safety again. However, time after time, God came through for David and freed him from his captors. His life was filled with fearful battles. He had to battle wolves, lions and bears when he looked after his father’s flock. Already there, tending the sheep, God started to prepare David for his role in the history of Israel. David fought Goliath, the fiercest warrior of the Philistines. He overpowered him, not with spears and swords, but with a stone from a slingshot and God’s aim! David’s most painful plight was that of the battle waged by his own son, Absalom. David tried with power and might to save his son from rebelling against his leadership, to no avail. Ultimately, the warrior Absalom fell, not by sword or spear, but by his own vanity, pride and confidence in his own evil plans. His father mourned for him. The Israelites were saddened by the loss David suffered, but they could not mourn the loss of this son of David, who started a civil war. In the beginning of David’s reign he had to endure countless moments staring death in the face. His confidence in the Lord and the plans the Lord revealed to him, allowed him to stay standing. His feet were firmly planted in God’s word, so that his faith would not slip or stumble. He saw the light of deliverance, life and the light of God’s promised day breaking over his kingdom. In the last years of David’s reign there was peace in Israel. The Israelites started to enjoy unknown prosperity and good-will amongst the nations around them. Out of David’s kingdom grew the spectacular kingdom of his son, Solomon. Unfortunately, Solomon did not serve God with an undivided heart like his father did.
The disciple, Peter, served Jesus with an undivided heart. He was adamant that he would even die with Jesus if it happened that they were to be arrested. When Jesus was arrested Peter defended his Lord by striking at the servant of the High Priest with his sword! (John 18 verse 10). Later that evening he was asked if he belonged to the group from Nazareth. Out of fear Peter denied Jesus. He was overcome by great anguish and bitter remorse. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He reinstated Peter and commanded him to feed the sheep and care for the lambs, (John 20 verse 17). Peter’s heart was broken for he did not think it possible that he would deny his Lord, but Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to declare his love and devotion anew. Then Jesus warned him and the disciples that they would have to face many difficult and life-threatening situations while delivering their testimony concerning Him, as the Messiah. It was not long after Jesus’ ascension that Peter was imprisoned. While awaiting the death sentence, for preaching in the Name of the Lord, “Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on his side and woke him, saying: ‘Get up quickly.’ And the chains fell off his wrists,” (Acts 12 verse 7). Peter was freed and given the opportunity to continue to teach in the Name of the Lord despite the threats on his life. The disciples endured and were martyred for their faith. They proclaimed the message of the Cross throughout the world. Christ overcame death and condemnation. No-one can snatch us from his hand. He breaks the chains that condemn us and He leads us Home.
Father, we thank you for Light and Life within us, through your Son, Jesus, Amen.