Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Day 108 – I Samuel 31, Psalm 89:19-52, Acts 4
Life is full of endings and beginnings. A child graduates from high school, a dear friend moves, and one phase of life draws to a close. We begin a new job or nurture a budding relationship, and another chapter starts. Change is integral to being human. Scripture reflects this truth.
Today’s reading from 1 Samuel portrays a bitter end. As the Philistines press in, Saul begs his servant to kill him before the enemy can. His sons already lie slain on the battlefield. The hopes the people of Israel placed in their king have withered away. Finally, Saul falls on his own sword, bringing this painful chapter to a close.
There is so much I do not understand about Saul’s reign. The whole story feels like watching a car wreck in slow motion. As I read chapter 31 I find myself thinking, if only he would cry out to God for mercy one more time! Yet he does not.
In Acts, however, we see a new thing taking root. The ragtag group of disciples called by Jesus just a few years earlier is causing quite a stir in Jerusalem. They are healing the sick and proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection as well. Many things seem the same: religious leaders want to stifle them, but are hemmed in by fear of the people. Yet things have changed, too: Peter, who once fearfully denied Jesus, now refuses to stop talking about him. A new thing, indeed!
But this is not a Justice League of cartoon superheroes. Luke tells us the disciples prayed for courage – which means they needed it. They ask God to continue giving them boldness in the face of fierce opposition. The Holy Spirit empowered them to face their challenges.
Closing chapters are not always tragic as Saul’s. New starts are not always as powerful as the Church’s birth. But God is with us in our beginnings and endings. When they are painful or scary, Jesus weeps with us and offers courage. When they bring relief or excitement, God rejoices with us.
Whatever our circumstances this day – beginning, middle or end; joyful or scary – let us do as the disciples and our psalmist did. Let us ask God for the faithfulness, power and courage we need. And may we, like the disciples, live in the boldness of the Spirit.
The Reverend Susan R. Beebe
Priest Associate, St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church
Day 108 – I Samuel 31, Psalm 89:19-52, Acts 4
Life is full of endings and beginnings. A child graduates from high school, a dear friend moves, and one phase of life draws to a close. We begin a new job or nurture a budding relationship, and another chapter starts. Change is integral to being human. Scripture reflects this truth.
Today’s reading from 1 Samuel portrays a bitter end. As the Philistines press in, Saul begs his servant to kill him before the enemy can. His sons already lie slain on the battlefield. The hopes the people of Israel placed in their king have withered away. Finally, Saul falls on his own sword, bringing this painful chapter to a close.
There is so much I do not understand about Saul’s reign. The whole story feels like watching a car wreck in slow motion. As I read chapter 31 I find myself thinking, if only he would cry out to God for mercy one more time! Yet he does not.
In Acts, however, we see a new thing taking root. The ragtag group of disciples called by Jesus just a few years earlier is causing quite a stir in Jerusalem. They are healing the sick and proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection as well. Many things seem the same: religious leaders want to stifle them, but are hemmed in by fear of the people. Yet things have changed, too: Peter, who once fearfully denied Jesus, now refuses to stop talking about him. A new thing, indeed!
But this is not a Justice League of cartoon superheroes. Luke tells us the disciples prayed for courage – which means they needed it. They ask God to continue giving them boldness in the face of fierce opposition. The Holy Spirit empowered them to face their challenges.
Closing chapters are not always tragic as Saul’s. New starts are not always as powerful as the Church’s birth. But God is with us in our beginnings and endings. When they are painful or scary, Jesus weeps with us and offers courage. When they bring relief or excitement, God rejoices with us.
Whatever our circumstances this day – beginning, middle or end; joyful or scary – let us do as the disciples and our psalmist did. Let us ask God for the faithfulness, power and courage we need. And may we, like the disciples, live in the boldness of the Spirit.
The Reverend Susan R. Beebe
Priest Associate, St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church
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