As you read this week’s scriptures, watch how several important stories and themes intertwine with one another. See the people of Israel filled with passion to give extravagantly to create the Tabernacle, a holy place for God’s Glory to “dwell.” See the passion of the God who had created them, called them, rescued them, and brought them on eagles’ wings to God’s own self. Then see Peter on the Mount of Transfiguration filled with passion for the vision of glory he was allowed to witness.
See also the passion of the Christ who—when he left that glorious mountaintop experience—walked resolutely toward the paradoxical glory of the cross. Consider connections back to the ancient Exodus stories alluded to by the brilliant storyteller, Matthew.
Reading across the Bible with Living in The Story gives us insight into some of the ways the meaning of the stories evolved and deepened throughout the centuries. Even for modern day Bible students, meaning and understanding continue to grow because the Divine Presence also continues to dwell among us “in glory.”
It is God who said: “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.
(2 Cor 4:6–7)
I love this image! “Treasure in clay jars” describes Paul, you, me, and even Scripture itself. This is brilliant, profound poetry indeed!
Relax and enjoy these stories just the way they are told. Let the words create pictures in your imagination. Don’t over analyze. This week, just let the beauty and generosity wash over you.
Read more at Charlotte Vaughan Coyle. Living in The Story: A Year to Read the Bible and Ponder God’s Story of Love and Grace (pp. 149-150). Resource Publications. Kindle Edition.
Readings for Living in The Story Week 11
