Pledge of love forever

‘When you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will make one of your sons king and will keep his kingdom strong. He will be the one to build a temple for me, and I will make sure that his dynasty continues for ever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him as a father punishes his son. But I will not withdraw my support from him as I did from Saul, whom I removed so that you could be king.’      (verses 12-15)

Read 2 Samuel 7:1-17

A most horrible tragedy has occurred. Fifteen backpackers killed in a horrendous fire lit by a disturbed arsonist. Tonight on the news the arsonist’s father pleaded for his son to give himself up to the nearest authority. ‘And remember’, said the father, ‘your mother and I love you’.

For most fathers the birth of a son or daughter brings an unwritten pledge of love forever. The connection and support remain strong despite the most dreadful acts.

We have trouble realising that our basic condition, and the sinful acts that spring from that condition, are as heinous to God as the deadly act of the arsonist. But in seeing our real situation, through faith we come to realise that God pledges himself to us and all humanity. He pledges the same unbreakable support he gave David’s son when he said, ‘I will ensure his dynasty lasts forever’.  From David’s line came Jesus, and in his coming was the love and support of the Father for all time.

As you pledged your love and support to David’s son, as you pledged your love and support to all humanity through Jesus, as your pledge was sealed by Jesus death and rising, Father, I bow in humble adoration. What joy your love brings my soul. Amen.

by Eunice Freiberg in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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