I Chronicles 15-17, Psalm 67 (By Rev. Deacon Margaret Friesen)

OBSERVATION

• The Chronicles summarize the history of Israel through the genealogies from the time of Adam to the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon (ch 1-8). From the genealogies the chronicler moves to the reign of the Kings from Saul and forward.
• These chapters describe how the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Jerusalem during the reign of King David. it had been stolen by opposing forces during the years of Saul, that is, when the Israelites carelessly brought the Ark into the battlefield, thinking that its presence would magically save them. David made an earlier but disastrous attempt to bring back the Ark but did not wait for God’s instructions so suffered the fall-out. This time, he waited on God and consulted with his priestly contingent, the Levites.
• With proper ceremony, heart preparation, and the right people (Levites), The Ark was carried back to Jerusalem and housed in a tent set apart for it. There was a great celebration. Psalm 67 calls on “All the People “to praise God.

 
INTERPRETATION
The Ark of the Covenant was built after Moses received the commandments on the mountain, after the exodus from Egypt. It stored the tablets on which were written God’s law and was meant to remind the people of God’s covenant in both judgement and mercy.  Although the Ark travelled with the people through the wilderness, it was always carried and cared for by the people from the tribe of Levi. It was never meant to be a magical icon to give them success in war (see Numbers 10:33. Deuteronomy 10, 31:9, 25-26).
 
QUESTION
Is there something that God has given us that we are treating as magic rather than honoring the God who made us, who is “I AM”. Sometimes I think we view our service of Holy Communion as a magical rite i.e. we say the right words and do the right actions and we will get what we want from God. I would remind us that God is not limited by any human formulas or boundaries we might put up. God is the original I AM who created us for relationship with themselves (the Holy Trinity—Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit).
 
PRAYER
Dear Lord God, the great I AM—I will wait for you to meet with me, not at my beckoning but by your grace, you come. May my desire be always to know you more deeply.
 
SONG.
I can imagine a great crowd of people singing this song and dancing as the Ark was brought into the city and into its own tent.
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Lead on Lord – Bruce Moore, Jennifer Manhas