In the Christian Science Bible Lesson August 4, 2014 Issue

Spirit's newness—now

For the Lesson titled "Spirit" from August 4 - 10, 2014

Madelon Maupin

This week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson, “Spirit,” underscores the allness of God’s nature with words such as reign, great, glorious, majesty, wondrous works. This is God, Spirit, in all His power and might, deserving praise. Yet for all this strength and potency, we also find a compassionate God, who, as the Responsive Reading indicates, raises up those who are bowed down, satisfies each one’s needs, frees the imprisoned, heals blindness, and loves the righteous.

What a God indeed! One that is both mighty and tender, both omnipresent and comforting. King David’s prayer in First Chronicles 29 reveals how he glimpsed these all-encompassing aspects of God’s nature. The Chronicler tells the history of the Davidic dynasty, starting with David’s reign, then Solomon’s. The chapter closes David’s rule as he presides over his son Solomon’s coronation. This hymn of thanksgiving (citation 3)—with admissions from David that “in thine hand is power and might”—provides a touching lead-up to a startling act for an individual of wealth and power: David commits his personal fortune to the future building of the Temple, then asks his military and business leaders to do the same. As they agree, David praises the God they have grown to love. Isn’t this a parallel experience today for those who come to know God’s potent presence? What a foundation to launch not only the physical temple of the tenth century bc , but for us to acknowledge God, Spirit, as “the only substance and consciousness recognized by divine Science” (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 278, cit. 8).

Section 2 includes parts of Isaiah 40, the opening chapter of what is sometimes known as “Deutero-Isaiah” or “II Isaiah,” written about 125 years later than Isaiah 1–39. The circumstances have changed from the pending Assyrian invasion to the people of Judah now in Babylonian captivity. Early verses are written in the future tense, “Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand” (see Isaiah 40:5, 10, 11, cit. 5). This focus is understandable for people living in hope of future “rescue” by the God they believe to be all-powerful. But a major shift occurs, as the remaining verses (see verses 13, 26, 29, cit. 5) are now in the present tense—indicating their understanding that God, Spirit, is here—now. Isn’t this the same shift each of us makes when the reality of Spirit’s presence becomes palpable?