COMM UNIT Y BIB L E RE AD IN G

Week 18
Weekly readings
29 April 2024 1 Sam 13:23–15:35 Luke 18:35–19:27
30 April 2024 1 Sam 16–17 Luke 19:28–48
1 May 2024 1 Sam 18–20 Luke 20:1–19
2 May 2024 1 Sam 21–23 Luke 20:20–47
3 May 2024 1 Sam 24–25 Luke 21:1–24
4 May 2024 1 Sam 26–28 Luke 21:25–22:6
Devotional
While we are waiting – Luke 19
The parable of the ten minas (Luke 19:11–27) presents a clear narrative, but its deeper layers
emerge when considering its introduction and conclusion.
(1) The parable portrays a nobleman seeking kingship in a distant land. The picture would not be
foreign: the Herods on occasion traveled to Rome to obtain or to secure their standing with Caesar.
It's crucial to note for modern readers that the servants weren't merely employees but slaves, bound
to serve their master faithfully. Hence, the severe punishment for neglecting their duty.
(2) The tale concludes with a weighty proclamation, emphasising the principle of stewardship: those
who faithfully utilise their entrusted gifts will receive more, while negligence leads to loss. It draws
parallels between loyal servants and those who reject authority, highlighting the seriousness of
allegiance.
(3) Embedded within the parable's context is Jesus's response to misconceptions about the immediate
arrival of God's kingdom. It clari es the delay, illustrating varying responses to authority, even
among the servants. True devotion involves actively enhancing the master's assets and eagerly
awaiting his return, contrasting with rebellion or misguided expectations. The parable therefore
echoes Jesus's teachings on readiness and delity in the unfolding of divine plans.
Standing in his victory – 1 Samuel 17
The names of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) conjure up a story many have known from their
youth. Sometimes David is made into a very little boy, though in reality he is at least a young man
who has bested both a lion and a bear. But today the pair of names becomes evocative of ‘little
people’ and organisations taking on the “Goliaths.” Doubtless there are lessons to be learned about
courage and boldness, but the most important lessons lie on slightly different lines.
Firstly, you are not David. We love to read ourselves into stories and in this story we all long to be the
David beating the giant. We long to see ourselves (and be seen by others) to be the one who stands
up for what is good against the Goliaths of our day and end up coming out on top. In reality, we’re
not David in this story; we’re not Goliath or Saul either. If we’re going to read ourselves into 1
Samuel 17, we’re the men of Israel and Judah that watched the victory of the one who made a stand
when everyone else couldn’t stand and then rose with a shout and beat back the enemy in the light
of this greatest victory.
Secondly, one must not read this chapter without remembering Samuel’s anointing of David: “from
that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power” (1 Samuel 16:13). There lies the
source of the God-centeredness, the source of the courage, of the unerring aim, the great victory,
and the elevation of the name and glory of God.
The text calls us not to admire David the man and no more, but to stand in the victory of Christ,
raise a shout of praise and, as we look at whatever Goliaths we may be facing, ponder what the
Spirit of God may do with one person.
Prayer
Our Father, we praise you that we get to stand in your victory! Help us to always live in light our citizenship
to you kingdom as we await its nal consummation and let our shout of praise be heard by all, Amen.
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