Scripture: 2nd Samuel 11:1
In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel with him; they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.
Thought for the Day: How do you confront power, when your confrontation could lead to your death? How do you call out a king without loosing your life? The above incriminating assessment of David was not all that subtle and just might have got someone in trouble. To speak of the time when kings go to battle, and then to suggest that David sent out Joab and his army, while David stayed in the safety of Jerusalem, would have been read as an intentional shaming of the King. So often we read the Bible as if there is a single point of view with a clear distinction between the good and the bad. It is much more complicated, and especially where religion and politics were so closely intertwined. So often people have some utopian view of a place where godly politics could exist and everyone is happy. Putting aside the radical differences just among Christians today, we are faced with the sins of greed, hate and discrimination – almost always birthed from fear and insecurity. And of course, these sins are seen both inside and outside the church. In a few weeks, we will focus a Sunday morning on this interesting dance between religion and politics, between faith and the state. The history is much messier than some might think.
Prayer: Let us not be naive when it comes to people’s intentions, but let us also not become cynical. O God, it is difficult to be full of hope and optimism while also being realistic and aware. Help me each and every day as I try my best to remain committed to you and your ways, but also to keep an eye on those who are very good at sounding religious for a purpose that is very self-serving. Amen.
GOOD THINGS
ARE HAPPENING
GREATER THINGS
ARE ON THE HORIZON
