Hello hello friends! Today's scripture lesson is a good example of why context in reading is so dang important. If you skim this story pretty quick David comes off as a mega jerk face who seems to over react. But as you read this story remember Leviticus when it says you should love your neighbor, remember Genesis 18 when Abraham welcomes God into his home. The Israelite community is build upon one very sacred tenant - you welcome the stranger and the refuge as you were once strangers in a foreign land yourself. Breaking this is committing a crime 10x worse than murder. With this in mind read today's story.
Scripture to Read
1 Samuel 25 - 27
Psalm 85
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about God?
What does this teach me about humanity?
What does this teach me about hospitality?
What troubles me? What encourages me?
What about the psalm sticks out to me?
- My Thoughts -
There's just one tiny little thing I want to share today. Be cautious about theological correlation = causation. David celebrates the Death of Nabor thinking that God caused his stroke. I can't speak for God, but I do not believe that God causes plights to happen against individuals. God doesn't cause someone to have MS. God doesn't cause autism. God doesn't cause gender dysmorphia. God can use things like these to reveal a new take on love, but God is not the misery business. Only paramore is. (context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCyGvGEtOwc) ((Yes, the lyrics are super not cool but this song slaps and I will jam to this till I die)
Prayer
Lord God,
Give us eyes to see the deepest needs of people.
Give us hearts full of love for our neighbors as well as for the strangers we meet.
Help us understand what it means to love others as we love ourselves.
Teach us to care in a way that strengthens those who are sick.
Fill us with generosity so we feed the hungry, clothe the naked and give drink to the thirsty.
Let us be a healing balm to those who are weak and lonely and weary by offering our kindness to them.
May we remember to listen, to smile, to offer a helping hand each time the opportunity presents itself.
Give us hearts of courage that we will be brave enough to risk loving our enemy.
Inspire us to go out of our way to include those in the margins.
Help us to be welcoming and inclusive to all who come to our door.
Let us be God’s hospitality in the world.
Amen.
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