Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
WEDNESDAY, December 23
2 Samuel 7:1-17. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.
The Lord has made David king of Israel and now David decides to build a "house" for the Lord. In a colorful scene, the Lord reminds David that he has lived in a tent all these years (the ark of the covenant was carried about in a tent), so why would David think the Lord now wanted a house of cedar? Then the Lord tells David (through the prophet Nathan) that he will make David a "house" which shall "be made sure forever," and that David's offspring (Solomon) will build a "house" for the Lord.
This passage contains a play on the word "house" that works in both Hebrew and English. On one level it is a reference to the temple which Solomon would later build in Jerusalem, but Christians also take these words to refer to Christ. The dwelling place of God is, ultimately, in neither a tent nor a cedar temple, but in human flesh. In Christ, God has entered our flesh, sanctifying it as his home. Human flesh can never be the same. It has been "divinized," as the Orthodox put it. We are God's home, a "house" that is "made sure forever."
PRAY for the Diocese of Yirol (Sudan)
Ps 72 * Ps 111, 113; Titus 2:11-3:8a; Luke 1:39-48a(48b-56)
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!
Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.
Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!
Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!
Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!
Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
