Psalm 87, 90; 2 Samuel 12:15-31; Acts 20:1-16; Mark 9:30-41
Everything comes full circle. In these few verses we see the death of the child conceived in sin and a new child with Bathsheba who is loved by the Lord, God blesses the union of David and Bathsheba more than David is able to comprehend even as he celebrates the birth of this child. David’s explanation for his ending of the time of grieving is interesting, “I shall go to him, but he will not return to me." That statement gives us an idea of David’s belief concerning life after death although it does not tell us all. He is now focused on the living, his wife, whom he goes to comfort. After the birth of the child, named Jedidiah, beloved of the Lord, Joab sends for David to come to the battle lest Joab get all the credit for conquest. David, after all the horrible events of the past year, takes his place at the head of the army and leads the conquest, just as he should have done before. Sometimes the safest place is in the midst of the battle.
Jesus continues to prepare the disciples for His death. They no longer ask questions about these words and they certainly don’t try and quiet Him concerning the matter given His rebuke to Peter. They do, however, continue to argue who is the greatest. How could Peter, James and John participate in this argument after the mount of Transfiguration and what they saw and heard there? Does it really matter which of them is the greatest in light of that revelation? We must come to the place where we realize that no matter what we do it is relatively insignificant in light of Jesus and when we do come to that place we can begin being useful in ministry because we recognize our inability to do anything apart from Him. That reality allows us also to serve one another as we no longer are scrambling for position, our position as the beloved is secure. Finally, Jesus tells the disciples that they are truly important, whoever gives them a cup of water because of their connection with Him will not lose their reward. We are significant because of Him, let us rest in that reality forever.
Paul’s mission has many obstacles. Sometimes those obstacles are the Jews and others plotting against him and sometimes it is a man falling asleep in a window and plunging to what seems to be his death. In all things, Paul relies on the Holy Spirit to overcome the obstacles before him. Often, we get frustrated and spend our time complaining rather than moving forward as God leads. We don’t expect obstacles in our path and when we find them we allow ourselves to be stymied by them. Do you know where God is calling you and to what purpose? If we understand the highest purpose of our lives is to extend His kingdom, we will persevere and trust Him to accomplish what He calls forth. Let us set ourselves to the task we have been given, to proclaim the excellencies of the one who has redeemed us!
Jesus, Thou Friend divine,
Our Savior and our King,
Thy hand from every snare and foe
Shall great deliverance bring.
Sure as Thy truth shall last,
To Zion shall be given
The brightest glories earth can yield
And brighter bliss of Heaven.
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