Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Psalm 77; Matthew 2:1-12
There is a lot in this Epiphany gospel text. It's a very dramatic story, with a number of Biblical allusions, as well as a specific reference to Micah. There's a big king and a little king; there are wise, worshiping Gentiles and a troubled king and city. There's another revelatory dream, and a wondrous star.
So early in Matthew's story he introduces Gentiles, non-Jews, who seem to be both students of the Jewish Scriptures (cf. Numbers 24:17) and who recognize, and worship, Jesus the king of the Jews. They are the first to do so in Matthew's gospel. "All Jerusalem" is troubled (as is the king, and presumably the chief priests and scribes as well), but not the magi from the east. They seek out the true king, rejoice exceedingly at his sign, offer him gifts, and worship him. They are favored by the Lord and so are warned in a dream not to return the Jerusalem (and perhaps unwittingly aid the troubled king).
Students of Scripture, diligent seekers, joyful pilgrims, gift-givers, true worshipers: may you and I be so the more this day, and this Advent season.
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples (nations, Gentiles).
You with your arm redeemed your people...
You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
(Psalm 77:11f)
There is a lot in this Epiphany gospel text. It's a very dramatic story, with a number of Biblical allusions, as well as a specific reference to Micah. There's a big king and a little king; there are wise, worshiping Gentiles and a troubled king and city. There's another revelatory dream, and a wondrous star.
So early in Matthew's story he introduces Gentiles, non-Jews, who seem to be both students of the Jewish Scriptures (cf. Numbers 24:17) and who recognize, and worship, Jesus the king of the Jews. They are the first to do so in Matthew's gospel. "All Jerusalem" is troubled (as is the king, and presumably the chief priests and scribes as well), but not the magi from the east. They seek out the true king, rejoice exceedingly at his sign, offer him gifts, and worship him. They are favored by the Lord and so are warned in a dream not to return the Jerusalem (and perhaps unwittingly aid the troubled king).
Students of Scripture, diligent seekers, joyful pilgrims, gift-givers, true worshipers: may you and I be so the more this day, and this Advent season.
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples (nations, Gentiles).
You with your arm redeemed your people...
You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
(Psalm 77:11f)
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