I’ve read and enjoyed Marva Dawn’s intriguing book, Powers, Weakness, and the Tabernacling of God. It presents a powerful antidote to any success or strength orientated writings, which have become quite common in recent decades.

This article highlights a theme in the book which I found very helpful.

2 Cor 12.9, Paul writes that his power was brought to an end in his weakness; Paul glories in his weakness because Christ’s power tabernacles in him. The well-known phrase, ‘my power is made perfect in weakness’ is more accurately translated ‘my power dwells in weakness.’ And, remarkably, the word dwells, or tabernacles, means ‘the shekinah glory of God dwells.’  These familiar words provide a strong link between my weakness and the in-dwelling glory of God.

In the description of the construction of the tabernacle (Ex 24-38), this same word appears 140 times. Such was the significance of God dwelling in the midst of Israel.

Just as God had revealed Himself in shekinah glory at Mount Sinai, so He continued to dwell amongst the people in their subsequent journeys.

A key theme, which occurs elsewhere (e.g: Acts 7) is that God’s dwelling amongst His people is not a stationery thing. The NT continues the OT  theme of God dwelling among His people, but without any geographical restriction. In particular, the emphasis, from the time of Solomon onwards, on the temple in Jerusalem, can no longer apply.

The NT picks up the theme of ‘tabernacle’ in John 1.14; the new dwelling place of God amongst men is Jesus Christ. And this opens up a further subject for contemplation, of Christ’s genuine human weakness.

I was part of a discussion about how we define ‘bribery’.  At what point does the passing of money become wrong? This may be more subtle than we sometimes think. The Old Testament book of Proverbs is key here.

A bribe does have an effect, changing men’s decisions. ‘Bribe’ is too harsh a word! A generous and timely gift to another, perhaps a person of influence, can lead to success. David Adeney comments on this lack of condemnation of a bribe; ‘Such equivocation in the Old Testament seems to reflect a recognition of the power differential between a poor person who gives a gift in order to stave off injustice and the rich who uses his power to exploit the poor. The powerful and the powerless are not judged by the same abstract absolute.’ (Strange Virtues, Ethics in a Multicultural World, quoted by Andy McCullough in Global Humility)

The real test is not the passing over of a sum of money, but the motivation and purpose behind it. Can I suggest the following distinction:

Bribery condemned

17.23 and 22.16 look at the purpose of a bribe. Where it is given to prevent justice or to oppress the poor, then it is properly condemned. 15.27 likens a person giving a bribe to someone greedy for unjust gain.

Generosity with purpose

In 17.8, a precious stone changes a person’s decision in the donor’s favour. In 18.16, generosity opens door. And in 21.14 a gift soothes anger. If I buy someone flowers or chocolates to cheer them up, we do not think of that as bribery. It is a gift with a purpose.

There is constant discussion about Christ’s return for His Church. There has always been, since the middle of the first century. When Paul writes to the Church at Thessalonica, he makes reference to such speculation. And that is the problem! The New Testament makes reference to Christ’s return not for the purpose of speculation but for anticipation and motivation.

Matthew records a long discussion between Jesus and the Twelve concerning His Return in chapters 24-25. He brings together three parables, which each pick up this theme of motivation.

Be ready – the parable of the virgins (25.1-13)

The lesson: watch for we do not know the day nor the hour. There is anticipation, for the bridegroom is expected. There is a delay in the bridegroom’s coming (v5); Christ’s return is certain, which is confirmed frequently in the NT.

Therefore, be ready for His Return.

Be diligent – the parable of the talents (25.14-30)

The lesson: Be diligent in service, expecting fruit. We are gifted and equipped; we have appointed tasks and responsibilities. We are called to respond with commitment and service. The words ‘enter into the joy of your master’ also indicate a reward, which is also further motivation to service.

Therefore, be diligent as we await His Return.

Be compassionate – the parable of the sheep and goats (25.31-46)

The lesson: Serve one another, especially those who are poor or ill. Such service must be willing and spontaneous; generous and sacrificial. Notice the characteristics of the righteous; they are kind and generous and compassionate. They are also humble, keeping no record of their good deeds.

Therefore, be compassionate towards others.