Date: 28 Jun 2000
Time: 04:47:36
The thing that caught my attention from this passage (one that doesn't seem to offer much for a sermon at first glance) is that David "built the city." The "City of David" subsequently became an important symbol for the Jewish people.
How are we building a city for God? How are we building our churches in such a way that they become important symbols for our communities? And can we build a city for God in our own lives?
Danny in CA
Date: 04 Jul 2000
Time: 12:13:55
I've had an idea about the anointing--perhaps anoint people for service to Christ during the worship service, as well as talking about all the times we are set aside as disciples--baptism, confirmation, installations, ordination, etc. David was anointed twice--once in secret, once publically. Perhaps that can be the lead in to this anointing of the congregation--a public affirmation of willingness to carry on God's work. JMK in PA
Date: 05 Jul 2000
Time: 19:36:18
I've been thinking about this passage and it's nationalistic theme. We have David who is King - and he's king because of his might and strength. So, the people see him as holding God's favor. This is a real contrast to the passage from Corinthians where Paul speaks of the thorn in his flesh. And, how God shows strength through his weakness. It begs the question of how do know God's favor? I'd like to explore this further -- any thoughts?
The Iowa Star
Date: 06 Jul 2000
Time: 04:30:45
These days I am mulling about the images of a "city of God" is what we are called to. THere is such a tendency to image the Kingdom in pastoral terms (empty but fruitful fields..sheep etc) that we forget that the Kingdom has to do with humans and justice. Here is an ancient image of an early "city of God". Just a thought...Deborah
Date: 06 Jul 2000
Time: 17:11:15
Reading the passages that lead up to the establishment of Jerusalem, I am struck by the fighting, treachery, and political maneuvering that brought about the unification of the kingdom. On one hand David seems to wiggle out of being responsible for the assasinations and on the other hand he seems to stand for justice. Justice meaning that he seems to want to establish his kingdom not on a military/covert violent way, but on responsibility and fairness. I'm particularly concerned with the unfair killing of Abner which brought about the destruction of Ishbaal's government. Just thoughts.
Zack in Atlanta
Date: 08 Jul 2000
Time: 12:30:46
In some ways today's lesson completes the rags to riches story of the shepherd boy anointed by Samuel to one day be king. It is hard to believe the poet made it, but he did. Sometimes we fail to do what God wants us to do because we lack faith in God and in ourselves. David had both. Fred in NC
Date: 08 Jul 2000
Time: 12:34:41
In many ways todays lesson completes the rags to riches story of the little shepherd boy anointed by Samuel to be king. It is hard to believe the poet made it but he did. We also sometimes fail to do the great things God expects of us because we fail to believe in God and in ourselves. David had both. Fred in NC
Date: 08 Jul 2000
Time: 17:13:00
Responding to Zack. Somewhere I picked up the idea that the contrast...the standing apart from the culture..is something to pay attention to. So David, comes up with a different idea of building the Kingdom on something other than violence...a step in the direction of the Kingdom of Peace. The step, or the movement is something to note. Thanks for your observation. Deborah