Mission Accomplished!
Scripture: They brought in the ark of the LORD, and set
it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it; and David
offered burnt offerings and offerings of well-being before the LORD. When David had finished offering the burnt
offerings and the offerings of well-being, he blessed the people in the name of
the LORD of hosts, and distributed food among all the people, the whole
multitude of Israel, both men and women, to each a cake of bread, a portion of
meat, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people went back to their homes.--2
Samuel 6:17-19
There are very few times that I visit my parents that I
don't leave their home with stack of food containers and a bag of fresh produce
harvested from their garden. This has
become a ritual for us. While I only
live 3 hours away and have everything that I need to care for my own family, my
parent's rations hold a certain symbolism.
Given they have nourished and cared for my siblings and I for decades,
their provisions indicate a commitment to our lifelong well-being.
Similarly, David's kingship transcends the prestige of
wearing a royal crown. He truly cares
for his people. As soon as the ark of
Lord is safely in its place, David offers sacrifices including sacrifices of well-being
and he blesses the people. He understands
this moment to be bigger than his divine appointment as king. The ark's arrival in the city of David is an
important milestone in Yahweh's relationship with Israel. God loves Israel and has always provided for
her every need, likewise as king, David not only blesses the people but sends
them with food for the journey ahead.
Symbolically, I think that this was his way of pledging that as their
leader, he would always hold their well-being as a priority and would do what
was necessary to ensure Israel's stability.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you so much for your love
and care. Even when we don't see it, you
are anticipating our every need and we are so grateful. We appreciate your many blessings and ask that
you will lead us into your truth. Amen.
The Reverend Tiffney Marley
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