31 March 2010
Psalm 55; Lam. 2:1-9; 2 Cor. 1:23-2:11; Mark 12:1-11

It is hard to imagine how the destruction of Jerusalem would have affected someone of this time. To see the city of God brought to ruin, the temple destroyed and foreigners where the holy places had been would be devastating in a way that is almost unimaginable. The devastation of so much of Europe in the first and second World Wars is horrific but not on equal footing. The pride in Jerusalem was great, it was the footstool of God, the God who had given them the land. The ruin of the city begged for explanation and it changed the worldview of all. To see the devastation of the enemy would have caused doubt in their God, how could He possibly not defend His people and allow the place where His glory dwelled to be overrun by foreigners. After so many years of no one entering that place but high priests and then only once a year after meticulous preparation and now to see anyone going in and out would be beyond comprehension. This is only possible if it happened with the blessing and participation of God Himself and this is the lament, He has become like an enemy and the last verse tells us that in addition to that no one hears the Word of God in guidance about what to do next.

The parable of the vineyard is prophetic concerning the death of Jesus. He is telling them first the history of Israel, how they have treated the prophets sent by God. Finally, the owner sends his son believing that they will at least respect him, but they believe that the owner must be dead and now if they destroy the heir they will obtain the vineyard for themselves. Jesus is speaking of what must now come to pass, He will be rejected and murdered by those greedy for the vineyard, and the vineyard is not property so much as it is people. The power over the hearts and minds of the people is at stake here. It comes down to Jesus speaking about tearing down the temple but that is simply the straw man used to whip up the crowd, it is really about hearts, minds and souls.

Paul speaks of reconciliation and forgiveness of a sinner and their restoration to fellowship. He begins by telling them that he hadn’t wanted to come to them in judgment, preferring not to increase their pain. He is clear that he isn’t lording over them like a ruler but is rather a co-laborer because of their faith. Does this refer to the incident in 1 Corinthians 5 where he tells them to expel the immoral man from their midst? It seems possible that this is the one and now he has repented of his immorality. It is a delicate balance in church leadership to insist on dealing with sin and also to allow the body to function as it should without a heavy hand by the leader. It is important to set the standard and maintain it in order that the body knows what to do with sin in the members. Think of it as the body’s attempt to fight infection at the bio-chemical level.

Cast your burden on the LORD,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.