A Story within a Story

Advent has been defined as a time for expectant waiting and preparation for the birth of the Messiah. It is often celebrated in churches by engaging in certain traditions like the lighting of candles, singing of hymns and engaging with a story. I like stories. They sometimes help me understand complex ideas in a personal way. I think we could even consider the story of Jesus' birth as a story within a story.

The story of Jesus' birth is centrally located within a much larger story that encompasses the entire bible. Genesis commences the impressive story with an unprecedented grand display of creative genius. It includes the most awe-inspiring claim. The creator God called everything good. The piece de resistance of the creation event was humanity. Man and woman were authorized by God to have dominion. Chapter three of the story describes a decision that had implications not only for the man and woman in particular but for all creation in general for eternity.

The bible is a comprehensive story. It describes how the cosmos came from nothing and ends with the revelation of God's hopeful destination - a great holy city. The story is unparalleled in its scope, depth, beauty, and truth as it unfolds page after page, chapter after chapter. God remains consistent as the story's central character. His story includes relationships with people from every strata of humanity.

The story we will tell during Advent includes four kings: David, Solomon, Hezekiah and Josiah. Jesus is a direct descendent of these kings and is often referred to as the Son of David. Jesus fulfills God's primary role as ruler is the big idea for the series. God chose to establish his kingdom on earth by working through the people of Israel. His promise to Abraham was that his offspring would be a great nation. A great nation must have leaders. The Israelites asked for a king. These great kings foreshadowed the coming of the King of Kings we celebrate this season.

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV

-Pastor Jen

A King's Word

Solomon. His name evokes the very essence of wisdom.

The closest Israel ever gets to the Messianic ideal of being a light to all nations is during his reign. Peace, prosperity and a unique leadership role are established. His wisdom is often credited to his style of judgment. Solomon’s ability to discern right and wrong was a gift from God. You may read more from I Kings 3.  

Solomon ultimately fulfilled his father’s dream. A permanent place to worship God was built. Afterwards, Israel skyrocketed into an unprecedented time of blessing and Israel developed a reputation as a nation that honored God and followed his way of life.

However, Solomon’s heart turned from God. Wealth was brought to Solomon in ways that may be difficult for us to comprehend. ‘The weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold.’ I Kings 10:14. (NRSV) A reckless pursuit of more cast a shadow over his heart. As a king, Solomon had experienced and done everything under the sun but in the end he found it all meaningless.  

In his book, Immortal Diamond: The Search for our True Self, Richard Rohr wrestles with our present-day challenges with the reckless pursuit of more. His favorite quote is from Thomas Merton, “If I had a message to my contemporaries it is surely this: be anything you like…but at all costs avoid one thing: success. If you are too obsessed with success you will forget to live. If you have learned only how to be a success, your life will be totally wasted.” (page 7)

Maybe Solomon’s wisdom is best expressed not in his administration of justice but understood by reading his final words from Ecclesiastes. ‘The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NRSV