pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Just the Beginning

Readings: 2nd Samuel 11, 2nd Samuel 12, 2nd Samuel 13, 2nd Samuel 14

2nd Samuel 11:1 – “In the spring, when kings go off to war, David sent Joab.”

Today begins the downward spiral of David’s reign. It sure begins simply enough. Instead of leading the troops on the annual springtime conquest, David stays behind. David sees Bathsheba as she bathes. Long story short, he sleeps with her and she becomes pregnant. In an attempted cover up, David brings Uriah to town. Given two opportunities to go and sleep with his wife, Uriah does the right thing. He is sent back to the battle front carrying his own death sentence.

God sends Nathan to confront David. He tells a simple story that is really the story of rich David and poor Uriah. David is very angry. Nathan responds, “You are that man!” David recognizes his sin and God forgives him. But the child will die. Soon Solomon is born. David goes out to lead in finishing off the Ammonites.

The next step downward involves two of his sons – Amnon and Absalom. Amnon is in “love” with Absalom’s sister Tamar. Using deceit Amnon arranged an opportunity to rape Tamar. Disgraced, she ends up back in Absalom’s house. Revenge is plotted and executed. Absalom flees to a foreign land.

Joab, a wise man, orchestrates Absalom’s return. These two are cut from the same cloth. Similar to how Nathan drew David in, Joab uses a woman to draw David in. This story also turns and in the end, Absalom is restored to David’s presence. But this is just the beginning of the stories of violence, revenge, and murder. The sword will not leave David’s house.

Prayer: Lord God, today we see how power can corrupt, can be twisted, and can be used for evil. When we are tempted to use our power in these ways, reign us back in. Remind us of the righteousness that you call us to. Bring us to the path that you want us to walk. Amen.


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God’s Guiding Presence

Readings: Genesis 31, Genesis 32, Genesis 33, Genesis 34, Genesis 35, Genesis 36

Genesis 32:28 – “Your name won’t be Jacob any longer, but Israel, because you struggled with God and with men and won.”

Today’s readings begin with Jacob leaving Haran. God directs this move and watches over it. As Laban catches up to the escaping Jacob, God intervenes on his behalf. This leads to a “symmetrical covenant.” Laban and Jacob part ways peacefully and with God’s blessing. As his journey continues, Jacob prepares to and is prepared to meet Esau, the brother he stole from and deceived.

Jacob first sends messengers to Esau, who comes out to meet Jacob with 400 men. This terrifies Jacob. He splits all that he has into two camps. Then he prays a “reminder” prayer to God. He reminds both God and himself of the covenant promises made to Abraham and to Isaac and to himself. He then sends a very large gift of livestock to Esau, seeking to pacify him. That night Jacob wrestles with God. He is renamed “Israel” and he receives God’s blessing.

In the morning Jacob arranged his family strategically – servants then Leah then Rachel, each with their children. But then he goes in front to meet Esau. He bows low 7 times as Esau is approaching. Esau runs to greet him. It is an emotional and joyful reunion. Jacob sees the face of God in his brother’s grace.

In chapter 34 a terrible thing happens to Dinah – she is raped and humiliated by a local prince. Her brothers exact revenge, killing every male and looting everything in the town. They use deception to set it all up. They are Jacob’s sons. But now Jacob fears revenge too, so the family moves on. God protects them as they go. In the process God reiterates the name change as well as the covenant. Sadly, Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin. Isaac dies too and is buried with his ancestors by Jacob and Esau together. Our reading closes with Esau’s genealogy.

Reflecting on today’s six chapters I am struck by God’s presence guiding Jacob’s life. Many things happen that remind me that God is with us no matter what – when we are faithful, when we are less than faithful. God is steadfast and true.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your hand ever guiding Jacob. Thank you for your hand that desires to guide us. As you work in our lives, shape and form us as you did Jacob – more and more into one who knew and loved you. Amen.