This section in the book of Chronicles is a recap of the account of David’s time as king of Israel. The decisions to go to war, to build alliances, to inquire of the Lord through his prophets, to accept his own weaknesses and seek pardon, and to make atonements—these were all the hallmarks of his reign, and this text reminds us of it.
Turning next to our reading in the book of Romans, we find Paul in the throes of making deep theological arguments with his Jewish brethren on a variety of topics, including the very Jewish topic of circumcision. Evidently, there was discussion about the importance of this ancient practice, and in how it defined the people and their faith.Â
And here you have Paul, who couldn’t be more Jewish—because he is the quintessential Jew indeed—saying to them that it is the circumcision of the heart which is what was more meaningful. What a concept!Â
Paul says this: 28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.
Paul goes on to argue other theological points on the matter of God’s righteousness and faithfulness. He asks the rhetorical question: 3What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness?
Turning now to our reading of the psalms, we find one in which David is acknowledging the great omnipotence of the Lord Almighty. He says:
4 The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them. 5 The LORD examines the righteous,
but the wicked, those who love violence,
he hates with a passion. 6 On the wicked he will rain
fiery coals and burning sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their lot. Â
7 For the LORD is righteous,
he loves justice;
the upright will see his face.
Finally, a beautiful verse from the book of Proverbs on the virtue of patience. Solomon, the wise king of Israel writes:
11 A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
May God bless the reading and reflection of His Word.
