Do you remember your first house?
When I was born, my family lived in apartments. Every year, when the lease was over, my folks would pack up and we’d all move to a new place nearby. I was too young to really form lasting memories of these apartments. Only foggy images of living rooms, alleyways, and bedrooms linger in my mind.
But I do remember our first house.
When I was five, we packed a moving truck full of our belongings, jumped on an airplane, and flew to the magical land of Colorado. We stayed in a hotel for awhile while my parents shopped for a house. It took a few weeks but then they found it. I remember when I first walked up the driveway, past the small new tree and the sod-less lawn, and walked through the front door. We were home.
Our reading from 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 today is rooted in the concept of homes. In Hebrew, the word for home can mean many things. It refers to palaces, houses, and dynasties for kings. The word is centered on the permanence such structures have in our lives. When we own or live in our home, we have ownership over it, a commitment to it, and, above all, we have apresence in the home and the home has a presence in us. A home makes us feel incredibly rooted and connected to what’s around us.
This passage is about God’s continual commitment to the people of Israel. Like the homes in our lives, God promises to establish permanence for Israel and to be a permanent presence in Israel’s life. The verses not included in today’s reading (verses 12-15) continues the shower of promises. And these promises are unconditional. God leaves space for judgement of course. If David or his descendants fail to follow God’s commandments (especially placing their trust only in God), they will be disciplined. But the scope of God’s promise is epic. Promise, instead of judgement, is the center piece of God’s relationship with God’s people.
Christmas is almost here. The baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are about to make their home in a stable for a night. God’s presence and permanence is manifested in this temporary place. Let’s welcome God as God makes a home in us.
Each week, I write a reflection on one of our scripture readings for the week. This is from Christ Lutheran Church’s Worship Bulletin for 4th Sunday of Advent, 12/21/2014.