Psalm 69; 2 Sam 5:1-12; Acts 17:1-15; Mark 7:24-37
David consolidates the kingdom. The people of Israel, the northern kingdom, offer themselves as subjects and the kingdom is re-united after the brief interregnum of Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, but this unification will not last, it will be lost under David’s grandson. This period is the heyday of the nation. David first reigns at Hebron and then captures the city of Jerusalem from the inhabitants, the Jebusites and establishes the capital there. The Jebusites do not believe David can capture their fortified city on a hill and taunt him with the saying that even the blind and lame are sufficient to defend against him. The conquest is completed swiftly and David begins the work of nation building, beginning with establishing a city worthy of the Lord. Such is David’s renown that the king of Lebanon, Hiram, a neighbor, offers timbers with which David’s house can be built, a gesture of good-will and intentions. It would seem that this king knows that David is a formidable opponent and wants to be on his good side.
Jesus encounters a Syrophoenician woman who is determined that her daughter will be healed by this man. She makes no plea based on worthiness. She is a Gentile and yet she has come to this Jewish man whom she has heard has the power to heal, her only appeal is love for her daughter and a belief that Jesus can drive out this evil spirit. She is done with pride and only wants to see her daughter whole, her response to Jesus is that she may not be a child but there are certainly crumbs left over even for the dogs at the children’s table and it is for crumbs that she pleads. In our worship we use the prayer of Humble Access which says in part that “we are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table.” It is with this attitude that we approach Jesus, knowing who He is and who we are and that we receive from Him because He is merciful and grace-filled. We are not beggars but we are unworthy in the light of His worthiness but we also acknowledge His property is always to have mercy so we depend on His character being unchanging and with confidence we approach the throne, confidence that is based on Jesus’ worthiness and God’s merciful character.
Paul continues his practice of going first to the synagogues to proclaim Jesus. He first identifies with the Jews, the people of God, those who should recognize Jesus most readily, and expands his ministry as possible to the Gentiles. It is interesting that in our day we debate the idea of sharing the Gospel with the Jews and Paul and the apostles always did so. Paul uses Scripture in his apologetic to the Jews, he “speaks their language.” We know relatively little about his approach to the Gentile mission. Paul always moves forward in the face of opposition believing that nothing can hinder the work of God in spreading His kingdom. He is a man of courage and faith in God, just as David was, even though their aims were quite different. Advancing the kingdom has always required courage, whether of military leaders or of missionaries.
Crown Him the Lord of Heaven, enthroned in worlds above,
Crown Him the King to Whom is given the wondrous name of Love.
Crown Him with many crowns, as thrones before Him fall;
Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns, for He is King of all.
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