A Matter of Perspective

As we’ve been reading, have you noticed that the really crucial, vital, key events are recounted multiple times in the scriptures? (Two accounts of the Creation—one for linear thinkers, and one for storytellers; two versions of receiving the 10 Commandments; three reports of the reign of King David; you get the picture.) There is always more than one way to tell a story. And, different “hearers” need to “hear” from different perspectives to hear God’s truth. So, OK, the story of Israel’s kings has already been told in the books of Samuel and Kings. Here is another telling of the same story, a hundred or so years later, by another voice and from another perspective. This telling comes from “the Chronicler” (maybe Ezra?) at a time when God’s people are in danger of losing touch with what made them God’s people in the first place.

Our reading this week centers on the life and reign of King Solomon, David’s son and successor. Talk about a successful king, and you’re talking about Solomon—built the beautiful Temple, revered by his peers, respected for his wisdom, honored by all the people of Israel (and a collector of horses and chariots to boot)! The Chronicler’s point to his readers is this: Solomon’s success came from his right relationship with God.

Two things that God says to Solomon jump off the page at me. At God’s invitation, Solomon asks for wisdom. God says: “This is what has come out of your heart: You didn’t grasp for money, wealth, fame, and the doom of your enemies; you didn’t even ask for a long life. You asked for wisdom and knowledge so you could govern well my people over whom I’ve made you king. Because of this, you get what you asked for—wisdom and knowledge. And I’m presenting you with the rest as a bonus—money, wealth, and fame beyond anything the kings before of after you had or will have.” (The Message) Right relationship! Later, when Solomon prayed a beautiful prayer to dedicate the great Temple as an offering of love to God from his people, God replies: “I accept your prayer. I have chosen this place as a temple for sacrifice, a house of worship.” Then God makes a promise for the times when his people fail: “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (NRSV) Right relationship restored!

Maybe this third telling will help us get the right perspective. - Dr. Steve Winter, Executive Pastor

So What?

When I first began reading 1 Chronicles my first reaction was the same as a friend of mine commented, “So what? Why is it important to know who 'begat' whom?" Another told me, “The first few chapters are good if you have insomnia, you’ll be asleep in no time!” And I admit, when I began the reading, I was...well…bored.

It reminded me of the time I went with my family to the Highland Games at Stone Mountain. My maiden name is Forester, so we set off to find the Clan Forester. We found several different booths that “claimed” our family name, but we continued searching until we found our family…and so I began reading through my family genealogy of our own book of “begats,” and there I found my grandfather’s name and my father’s name. It gave me a sense of belonging to see the connectedness of the generations among my family.

Why is it important to know the family lineage? Maybe it’s because it provides us a center or roots in this world - an identity beyond ourselves. In Israel, it was important to validate the lineage of each family as each one had a significant role in the life of the community and worship.

And yet, as we find out more about the history in each family we also find those stories about family heroes or characters. In the movie “Hitch,” Will Smith is on a first date with a girl he wants to impress. He does a little research before the date and finds that her family came to the United States through Ellis Island and finds the signature of her great-great-grandfather on the logs as they signed in. Little did he know that this person was a criminal from Puerto Rico and caused the family great shame so they never speak of him. Needless to say, he didn’t get the reaction he expected from his date.

The same is true in Chronicles, as we moved beyond the “begats” we found stories about Saul and David and Solomon; stories of great faith and great personal disaster. We all have these family stories if we look into our history – some of great triumph, some of quiet lives, and those we’d rather not mention outside the family. Although they may be part of the story of our family, they do not define who we are…that is determined within our own lifetime. How are you living into the story of your life? _ Rev. Kathy Lamon, pastor of Congregational Care and Older Adults

Greetings, Bible readers!

They (whoever they are) say that confession is good for the soul. So, let me confess – I have been behind (a lot) in my Bible reading! So behind, that I had all but given up! But with a little encouragement from a fellow behind Bible reader – I decided to make a fresh start May 1. I gave up “catching up” and just started with the readings for May. We are 11 days into May – and I am happy to say, I have read every day thus far! I share that so you will know – even pastors are human! I share as a word of encouragement. You, too, can begin again. Just start with today’s date – and start reading! After all, God is full of grace and forgiveness and is really, really good at helping us “start over!”

In 11 days, we have finished the book of Second Kings. These chapters are filled with account after account of kings who “did what was evil in the Lord’s eyes.” In fact, I don’t know about you, but I found myself wanting to hurry and read so that I could get to the next king, hoping that the next one would do things differently – that the next king would be not only a good leader but also a faithful leader. As you know, those kinds of kings were few and far between. We could count on one hand the kings who “did what was right in the Lord’s eyes.” I found hope and encouragement whenever I came across those words!

So, what is the take-away from Second Kings? For me, it was a reminder – about the privilege and responsibility of leadership. I have heard leadership defined as influence. If that is the case, then we are all leaders - leaders in our homes; leaders in the workplace; leaders at school; leaders in our communities; leaders among our friends.

I found it very telling that the spiritual condition of the kings had a direct implication on the Israelites. The condition of their hearts in relationship to God directly influenced the ways they led and it brought great harm to their people. I believe that leadership (especially in the church) begins with a heart that is fully devoted to God. If we lead from a right relationship with God, then I believe that God will enable us and empower us to use our influence in meaningful and life-giving ways. And when our days are done – people will say of us – they sought to do what was “right in the Lord’s eyes.” - Rev. Wendy Cordova, pastor of Evangelism and Lay Leadership 

Are you sure there's only one God?

I have had a chance to be a part of several conversations about our reading through the Old Testament. While it is exciting to know there are people like me still reading through mostly unfamiliar chapters and books of the Bible, there is one recurring questions that keeps being asked. Folks want to know where the God of love, mercy and grace is hiding! Amid the conquest and settlement of Canaan, the stories of the early kings of Israel, and now the continuing saga of the rival kings of Israel and Judah, it is hard to see the characteristics of God that frame our understanding as Christians. It is no wonder that there are those who mistakenly think there are two Gods in the Bible - an Old Testament God, blood thirsty and vengeful, and a New Testament God, gracious and forgiving.

This week’s reading should help a bit. In 2 Kings, Chapter 5, we meet Naaman, the king of Aram’s general. He is seeking a cure for leprosy, and believes the prophet Elisha can offer him healing. Given the conflict between the Arameans and the Hebrews, the reader would certainly not expect to have this account be a positive one. However, the Biblical writer uses this encounter between Elisha and Naaman to tell us something significant about God and God’s relationship with humankind. Naaman is cured, not because he is worthy, offers appropriate riches in return, nor for any other ability or quality. Naaman is cured because God desires to bring new life to Naaman. God freely and graciously offers compassion and healing to an outsider, an enemy. Sound familiar?

Jump ahead to Luke 4:17-30, and read the account of Jesus preaching this story in his hometown. God’s grace is not always popular, nor reserved for those whom we deem worthy. The God of love, mercy and grace is not hiding, waiting for the turn of the page into the New Testament. God’s reconciling and redeeming work is part of the fabric of the Old Testament, too. There is one God who is concerned and compassionate toward ALL people. Thanks be to God for that unfailing gift! - Rev. Debby Fox, pastor of Christian Education and Discipleship