Monday 26 June 2017

Psalm: Psalm 24

Background

Most of this week's readings form a run from the very famousJohn 3:16 through to John 4:42, only interrupted, on Thursday, bythe Feast of St Peter, Apostle. Some of the Johannine material isfamiliar, like the story of Jesus's encounter with the Samaritanwoman at the well (Friday). However, other sections, notably thereferences to Jesus and his disciples baptizing (Tuesday and Wednesday), are not well-known at all and comeas a surprise.

Like all the Gospel writers, John wrote to meet the needs of hisparticular Christian community. Evidently, they were strugglingwith the pressures of 'the world', and there was a constant issueabout rival interpretations of the Gospel. The passages weencounter this week, both the very familiar material and the partswhich might feel strange, need to be understood in thiscontext.

Having just had the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, aleading Pharisee who was warily fascinated by Jesus (John3:1-15), we get this rich passage, beginning with the text allproperly brought-up Methodist children of my generation had tolearn off by heart. The issue is belief in Jesus as the Son of God,and God's saving actions in and through him. He is the supremeloving gift of God, sent to save, not to condemn the world. Yetmany do not believe, so condemn themselves by accepting that theywill live in darkness. A very serious decision is demanded inresponse to the revelation of God in Jesus Christ.

Today also gives us the first in a run of Psalms, 24-29(omitting 28). Psalm 24 asserts the sovereignty and righteousnessof God, and the demands these majestic qualities make on people,the demand for kingly entry into what is God's domain: the wholeworld. Reminding us of where true kingship lies - with God alone -the world's lords and kings are seen as, at best, pale reflectionsof the divine true monarchy.

The hymn Shine, Jesus, shine picks up on John's themesof light and darkness, and the psalmist's picture of God's brightmajesty domination over all creation.

To Ponder

• Read John 3:16-17 several times and reflect on the depth ofGod's self-giving love poured out in Christ.

• Hold together the images of Jesus lifted up, in crucifixion andexaltation (the word John uses to cover resurrection andascension), and the royal entry portrayed in Psalm 24. What kind oflordship is God's?