pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: cave


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Mercy Over Violence

Readings: 1st Samuel 21, 1st Samuel 22, 1st Samuel 23, 1st Samuel 24

1st Samuel 23:14 – “Saul searched for him constantly, but God did not hand David over to Saul.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Today we read about Saul’s pursuit of David and his soldiers. David first goes to the priest at Nob, Ahimelech. He gets bread and a sword from him. The priest knows nothing of the conflict between Saul and David. One of Saul’s servants, Doeg, is there. When Saul finds out that Ahimelech helped David, Saul summons him and his whole household. He pleads his case. But in anger, Saul orders their deaths. It is Doeg that slaughters them all, save one son, Abiathar. He escapes and reports everything to David. David invites him to stay with them.

The Philistines attack a nearby town and David inquires of God about defending it. Yes, yes, God says. David’s soldiers aren’t so sure. They’re in hiding. Following God’s direction, though, David and his soldiers attack, winning another decisive victory. He then flees into the wilderness. There, David and his soldiers are almost trapped by Saul, but another Philistine invasion draws Saul away.

Continuing to move, David evades Saul. And then David has his chance. Saul ducks into a cave to relieve himself. David and soldiers are hiding deeper in that cave. He sneaks up and cuts off a corner of Saul’s robe. David refuses to attack or kill Saul, the Lord’s anointed. David comes out of the cave and calls out to Saul. He explains the choice he made. Saul realizes that God is with David. He acknowledges that David will be king. Saul asks David to spare his family when he is gone. For a second time, David extends mercy. The violent one is humbled by the one who is merciful.

Prayer: Lord God, lead me to be a person of mercy. May my choices always be on the side of love. Amen.


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Make Way – God at Work!

Reading: Luke 2:1-7

Verse 4: “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth… to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.”

As Luke’s birth of Jesus story begins, a census is ordered. Caesar Augustus decrees that all people travel to their home towns to be counted. In verses 4 we read, “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth… to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.” The purpose of this census was not a lot different than the ones we take every 10 years in the US. The gathering of data is useful to the government for planning and decision making. It is amazing to me that God uses (and probably orchestrates) this secular action that places Joseph and Mary 90 miles from home – but right where the prophets said the Messiah would be born.

Once they arrive in Bethlehem, we see that Mary gives birth, swaddles the baby, and “places him in the manger” – because “there was no room for them in the inn.” Born is a stable or a cave – either way it was a humbling and extraordinary place for Jesus to be born. It was humbling for Joseph and Mary too. The “inn” that refused them a room, well, that would’ve been spare rooms in extended family’s homes. They saw a very pregnant Mary and a new husband and, in essence, said, ‘Not in my house.’ Finally a relative with a little compassion sends them out back to the animals’ quarters. There Jesus is born.

Even though Joseph’s hard decision to follow the guidance of the angel ‘costs’ he and his wife, he was faithful. Here again we see God at work in the ways of the world, using even the bad to work things out according to God’s plan. Christ would grow up to shepherd his people as a humble servant. Where better to start off than in a stable! In all things – from Jesus’ birth to our lives – God works for the good. Day by day may we trust in the God who always makes a way.

Prayer: Lord God, you are ever present and always loving and good. You have provided and protected, redeemed and defended, restored and guided me day after day. Thank you for the work of your hands in my life. Amen.


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Go

Reading: 1 Kings 19: 9b-15

Verse 9b: “What are you doing here”?

Earlier this week I looked at verses 1 through 9a in this same chapter. To review quickly, Elijah angered the queen, fled in fear, and was cared for and guided by God to the cave on Mount Horeb. In the morning, God asks Elijah, “What are you doing here”? This is a question that I think God asks often.

Fear and worry and doubt and job fatigue led Elijah to flee – to hide from the world. I can relate to some of these emotions and to Elijah’s response to them. Once in a great while monastic life seems like a great idea. His loving God leads Elijah to a safe place, to a cave atop a mountain, far away from his enemies and from the world. Until God asks this question, the cave is a comfortable place for Elijah.

When I retreat it is not usually to a cave or to any other physical place. When I do retreat it is usually into myself. In those moments when the world seems against me or when it seems to be closing in, I withdraw emotionally. In my mind I disconnect. I try and create felt distance and separation. But soon enough, God asks, “What are you doing here”?

Elijah has a response. He has been thinking about it. He knows the question is coming. This process is familiar to me too. Elijah tells God that he has been “very zealous for the Lord God Almighty” – I’ve been working really hard for you God. And these people – these Israelites – they have broken the covenant. Why would I want to be with those sinners? And then the ice cream atop the cake – “I am the only one left”. Woe is me. Have you been here? I certainly have.

The God says, in essence, ‘Come here. Come here Elijah’. Elijah goes to the entrance to the cave and the noise of the world passes by. The wind, the earthquake, the fire – those are the threats of Jezebel, the fears of the world, the self-pity. Then Elijah hears a gentle whisper. Ah, God has arrived. It is significant that God comes in the calm, in the quiet.

But once again Elijah tries the “I’ve been so busy…” excuses. God simply says, “Go…”. Return to the world, go where I am sending you. I will be with you. God knows we will stumble and falter too. God says the same thing to us: go, go where I lead. I will be with you. God continues to lead Elijah every step of the way. God will do the same for us. So, go.

Prayer: God, in those moments when I too doubt or fear or feel wrung out, come and push me back out into the world. Use me for what you will. Strengthen and encourage and fill me for the task at hand. Help me to ever step forth in faith. Amen.