Day 4

Psalm 80: 1-2

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,

   you who lead Joseph like a flock!

You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth

   before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.

Stir up your might,

   and come to save us!

The Go-Between

Some of my favourite films growing up, were the Indiana Jones’ films with their mix of adventure, archaeology and action.  I also liked the nod to Biblical themes – especially the Raiders of the Lost Ark where Indiana searched for the mysterious box that  went missing from the Jewish temple around the reign of  King Josiah.  It housed the covenant stone tablets, Aaron’s staff and a gold jar of manna.  It signified the very presence of God  on earth with His people and on the lid were the cherubim – divine beings who supported the  throne of God in heaven.  It was the ‘go-between’ heaven and earth.  It was the Ark of the Covenant that, carried by priests, always preceded the people of Israel.  Its disappearance remains a mystery. However, in this passage the Psalmist once more reminds us that, like the Ark, God goes before his people as Shepherd and King and will ultimately save them.  In this Advent season, we wait again for the  birth of the ‘ultimate’ go-between – for Jesus, who is the very presence of God on earth – and  He will never go missing!

Helen W