Sr N.C. Ngqakayi – August 2022

In simple terms, the above text forms part of the bigger Psalm, (Psalm 16) aimed at thanking God for the famous return of the Ark of Covenant. Hence it is called the Song of Thanksgiving of David, the legendary psalmist who in 2 Samuel 23:1 is fittingly described as the “sweet psalmist of Israel”, according to the New Living Translation of the English Bible. In terms of the New International Version (NIV) of the English Bible, he is described as ‘…the hero of Israel’s songs”.

Dear Reader and dear Listener, you might want to ask what the significance of the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem was. Better still, you might ask: where was it being returned from? The answers to these questions are found in verse 1 of the same Chapter 16, as follows: “ They brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst
of the tabernacle: After many years – since the ark was lost in battle – the ark is returned to the center of Israel’s national consciousness.

The emblem of God’s presence and glory was set in its proper place in Israel” (David Guzik, Enduring Word Bible Commentary). Regarding the question; where it was
being returned from, the answer is: it was being returned from being “…lost in battle…” On the question of the significance of its return, Guzik could not have said it better that it represented the return of the national consciousness to Israel. Even more importantly, its return represented the return of the emblem of God’s calming presence and glory in the troubled nation of Israel.

CREATION CELEBRATING THE RETURN OF THE ARK OF THE COVENANT

Against the backdrop of national jubilation and thanksgiving for the return of the Ark of the Covenant among the children of Israel, creation is also brought into the equation. Guzik, rightly remarks that “David knew that creation itself praised God. He knew that the beauty and power and skill and majesty of creation was itself a testimony of praise to its Creator”. To this end, David acclaims: “Let the trees of the forest sing, let them
sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth” which is the text we are reviewing in this meditation.

APPLICATION TO DAILY LIVING

Brothers and Sisters, in keeping with the spirit of creation as it relates to God, let us spare a thought for God’s creation by taking better care of it. A few weeks from now it will be Arbour Week (first week of September) which is all about planting of indigenous trees as a practical and symbolic gesture of management of the environment in a long-lasting way.

In conclusion, the last part of our verse of choice (for he comes to judge the earth…) speaks to the power of God in the same way the judge is a court of law has power over the accused and everybody else in the court room. It is therefore this kind of power that God possesses that should give us courage to deal and face the many challenges and hurdles we face. Yes, our God is all powerful to help us to overcome our struggles in life. We must therefore never lose hope in any difficult situation we find ourselves in, in the knowledge that out there exists both a caring and a powerful God who is stronger than the problems we face in life. Keep the faith in him.

PRAYER:
A blessed August month to all of you. Needless to say, this is a special month for us as Moravians with all the sacred festivals we celebrate during this month! Amen

Sr N.C. Ngqakayi