A Sense Of Loss

2 Samuel 18:19-33

"The king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, 'O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!'" (2 Samuel 18:33). This is not how one would expect a victorious king to act. Yes, David's son Absalom has been killed in battle despite his father's orders, but Absalom had been in open rebellion against his father. Surely David would be relieved at the death of a would be usurper, and who would have blamed him? But David laments.

God would know how David felt. God's people have long been in open rebellion against their Creator, yet God remains steadfast in love and mercy. Indeed, God allowed the only Son to die for us, granting us salvation in the process. So while we might not fully expect David's response, God responds this way to us constantly. Now maybe it is time for us to respond in grace and peace to one another, to weep at the loss of community and to rejoice when we are blessed to share God's love. Then we, too, may know why David did what he did.

Prayer: Lord God, forgive our lack of concern for one another and help us to seek a community of grace in your name. Amen.

The Return of the King

2 Samuel 15:19-37

Mark 10:46-52

There is a significant alignment of readings in the lectionary today. According to the passage from 2 Samuel, David and his followers were forced to leave Jerusalem before Absalom could arrive. In the midst of the confusion there were those who offered their loyalty to David and vowed to live or die with him. Centuries later, according to our gospel reading, Jesus was traveling through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem when a blind beggar called to him. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mark 10:47-48). By relating this story Mark makes clear that the King, a true Son of David, is indeed returning to Jerusalem.

Scripture is full of such interwoven events. Words spoken in one time find their fulfillment much later. One event helps to clarify another. Like overlapping shingles—many parts which form an single entity, the history of God’s people meshes together to form one piece, one account, one purpose. It is given to a blind beggar to help us “see” the relationship between Jesus and David. (Remember, Mark’s gospel does not contain details concerning Jesus’ birth, so the connection with David has not been as evident in this gospel as it is Matthew and Luke.)

The interwoven nature of scripture is very like the community of faith in our own time. Though there are countess elements such as individuals, congregations, and denominations, they all intertwine or overlap to form one piece, one account, one purpose. When we regard one another with scorn or animosity we tear the fabric of faith for us all. When we seek to live with mutual forbearance and understanding we strengthen the bonds that connect us and give glory to the God who has called us all into being. We needn’t agree on all points of faith, but we must trust one another and demonstrate the love that Jesus poured out for us all. When we do so the reign of God becomes more visible and the kingdom draws that much nearer.

Prayer: Lord God, help your people to overcome their divisions and live in unity with one another, loving you, loving each other, loving the world you created. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Supposed To Be Dead

Acts 14:19-28

For a guy who was supposed to be deceased Paul sure did get around. “But Jews came there from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. Then they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went into the city. The next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe” (Acts 14:19-20). Left for dead by an angry mob on one day, the apostle was on the road the next headed to another town.

But what if Paul had died? Paul was an important part of the early church, of its efforts at evangelizing the world. Would Paul’s death have ended the story? For me the answer comes in the fact that, as he lay on the ground outside the city, Paul was surrounded by disciples. The symbolism of this act is significant. In times of need the community of faith has worked best when it has pulled together and trusted the Holy Spirit to lead on. This time Paul got up but if he hadn’t someone else would have risen to the occasion, someone else would have felt the hand of God leading him or her to do Paul’s work. Look at the times when God has provided or leaders and prophets and apostles to do works of faith. Moses was a runaway sent home to lead his people. Amos was a farmer pressed into service as a prophet. David was a lad who defeated a giant and later became a king. Simon, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen who became disciples. Levi left his tax booth for the same reason. Paul himself had been a dangerous enemy of the faith but was called to take his place in the service of Jesus Christ. Would someone have stepped forward had Paul died that day? Absolutely.

For these reasons and more we should never despair, should never give up hope that God is at work in our world. The landscape of faith may change from generation to generation, death will claim leaders of the church, but as long as God remains at work there will be saints given the opportunity to serve in new ways. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: God of all time and space, we thank you for your gift of leadership that has allowed the community of faith to move ahead, even in its darkest hours. May we find our roles to play as we live our lives dedicated to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

National Treasure

1 Samuel 21:1-15

Ever wonder what happened to the sword Goliath was wearing the day David defeated him. Our reading from 1 Samuel today tells us. It was being kept by the priests at Nob, wrapped and stored in a safe place. "The priest said, 'The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the valley of Elah, is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod; if you will take that, take it, for there is none here except that one.' David said, 'There is none like it; give it to me'” (1 Samuel 21:9).

It would seem that this particular item, this sword, had already become a national treasure of sorts, or perhaps an object of religious significance. And why not? It marked an important chapter in the history of God's people. It told a story of what was possible, even if unlikely, when God was involved. David, when he was only a boy, had defeated a giant because he trusted in God's strength. What else was possible, even if unlikely, if the people of Israel would trust in the Lord their God?

The artifacts to which a nation attaches meaning say a great deal. But so do the items that we as individuals or families consider important. A family Bible that shows signs of regular use indicates that the word of God is never far away from its owners. What items do we consider indicative of who we are as people? And what exactly do they say about us? It's a question worth careful consideration.

Prayer: God of history and of hope, help us to focus on you and your will for our lives in all that we do. Amen.

Questioning Authority

1 Samuel 17:17-30

Our reading from 1 Samuel today takes place along the lines of the army of the Israelites as they stand shamefaced in the presence of Goliath. No one will fight this imposing warrior, and David, son of Jesse, wants to know why. But his words sound impertinent to his older brother who rebukes him sharply. "David said, 'What have I done now? It was only a question'” (1 Samuel 17:29).

Only a question. How often does a question, innocent or not, stir up trouble or bring issues into focus? When Jesus asked his followers what the crowds were saying about him it could be seen as simple curiosity. Then Jesus said, "But who do you say that I am?" and suddenly the disciples were forced to make some decisions, to clarify what they thought about this teacher and healer. Another time those who opposed Jesus tried to trap him by asking about the legality of Roman taxes. But Jesus turned their question inside out and allowed them to see the fault lines in their own faith. And the question, "Who is my neighbor?" prompted Jesus to share one of the most familiar stories in the New Testament about a traveling Samaritan who meets the needs of a badly injured Jew.

Set next to questions like these David's inquiry seems almost innocent. But we know that at the heart of David's words lay a challenge to the faithfulness of everyone who heard them. Something must be done and we are the people who, by God's grace, are called to do it. Sound familiar? It should. That's the reality of being a part of the community of faith. Things need doing. Isn't it time we got busy?

Prayer: Lord, we have questions, lives full of them. We question our role in the world, we question our place in society, we question our need for your word. We question those around us and their right to exist. We are puzzled by the anger we witness and curious about our own needs. Lord of all, hear our questions and answer them according to your will. But with your answers give us ears to hear and hearts to understand. In Jesus’ name. Amen.