Sunday Reflections
By Rev Kenneth Mtata
Today's Readings:
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm 19
Luke 4:14-21
Verse of the day:
"So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading" (Nehemiah 8:8)
It was almost a century since some Jews had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylonia (modern day Iraq). Even though reconstruction of the walls has progressed, the broader nation building process was riddled with many challenges. They couldn't handle inter-ethnic relations well; economic greed led to increased poverty; the harvests were not so good. The people were becoming hopeless.
In the midst of this struggle, someone remembered "the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had given to Israel", and they asked "the scribe Ezra to bring" it to the national consultative assembly (Nehemiah 8:1).
It takes the Spirit of God to remind God's people that in the process of rebuilding families, communities, churches and nations, that God has given them laws, not to oppress them but, to order their relationships with God and with one another. But how do God's laws become a resource for rebuilding? They do so in three ways.
First, in addition to being read in private at personal level, God’s laws must be brought to bear with matters of PUBLIC concern. The "priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly"
(Nehemiah 8:2).Presenting God's laws to the public sphere is not meant to establish a theocracy (ruling shared public with religion). Rather, it is to affirm that such laws ALSO have a bearing on the ordering of public in spite of other sources of authority and order. When Jesus went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath, "stood up and read" publicly (Luke 4:16). Public and community reading of God's laws has an effect on the collective sense of right and wrong, especially for the people of faith. When Ezra finished reading the people were broken to the heart when they discovered how far they had drifted from God's laws (Nehemiah 8:9). No rebuilding takes place without realisation and rejection of the present wrong direction. Repentance is the precursor for renewal.
Second, God's law becomes a resource for rebuilding when, through PROPER interpretation, God's purpose for people is disclosed. For the Israelites, the book was read to "both men and women and all who could hear with understanding"
(Nehemiah 8:2). For those who may have lacked the capability, there were specialists who "read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading" (Nehemiah 8:8). Their reaction showed they understand the word and its implications for their individual and collective responsibilities.
To have effect for rebuilding, God's law must be understood in terms of God's purpose for God's people. When done with seriousness and skill, such interpretation has power to create new appetite for God and for love of God's people.
Third, God's law has power to influence the rebuilding process when it is read in a PARTICIPATORY way. As Ezra read, "the people stood up" (Nehemiah 8:5). Further,
the "people answered, 'Amen, Amen,' lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground" (Nehemiah 8:6).
When people participate in the public and proper studying of God's laws, the laws become a unifying factor for rebuilding. Together they rediscover common vision. When Jesus finished reading the scroll, "he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The EYES of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:20-21).
As the people actively participate in the reading of God's laws, their collective consciousness unfolds--their collective eyes of the spirit are opened. They begin to share in a common vision about the future; a vision characterised by "good news to the poor...release to the captives...recovery of sight to the blind...letting the oppressed go free,...and proclamation of the year of the Lord's favor" becomes real (Luke 4:18-19).
God's laws are indeed tools for rebuilding personal, communities and nations because, according to the Psalmist (19:7-12):
"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward."
Indeed, God's laws are dependable for rebuilding.
Prayer:
God, reawaken in me the desire for your laws so that I can appropriately love you and serve my neighbour and effectively contribute to the rebuilding of your people. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. AMEN.
No comments:
Write comments