Listen here: “Ark of History“
2 Samuel 6:12-19: Mark 6:14-29
- The story of the ark returning from captivity is reminiscent of Israel escaping from Egypt, and the ten plagues, and of Egypt giving the Israelites gold and valuables as an offering to stop the plagues.
- The parallels are many and intriguing.
- David had brought the ark into Jerusalem in order to establish the kingdom of Israel, the Kingdom of God in Israel.
- It was a time between two great historical periods.
- The ark had come to establish the Old Testament kingdom.
- John had come into Israel as a precursor of the One who was coming to establish the New Testament Kingdom of God in the world.
- John had stirred up the people enough to concern King Herod. John was the talk of the town. Many people, respectable Jews among them, were being baptized by John.
- And John was proclaiming that a new king was coming. This concerned Herod because it was a challenge to his leadership, his kingship.
- Herod didn’t like it. So he responded in the way that kings always respond to a threat to their power. He put his rival in jail.
Sunday morning messages are available on the website (www.stpaulsmarietta.org/audio). Tell your friends.