Read, Listen, and Grow

AM Psalm 137:1-6(7-9), 144 • PM Psalm 104
1 Samuel 14:16-30 • Acts 9:10-19a • Luke 23:32-43

Today’s readings presented me a challenge. Not a challenge to read, these are four essential and classical Biblical stories. Each has a vital meaning. Unable to discern a link, my reflection is to take them at face value. Read, listen and grow. Do not miss the obvious.

Psalm 137 is a mournful hymn expressing the yearnings of the Hebrew people during its Babylonian exile. As with so many lamentations in Psalms, I observe that the arc of Hebrew history is one of conflict, captivity, loss and frustration. Psalms gives me insight into the historical and cultural premise for the current and continuing issues and absence of peace in the Middle East. The conflict continues among another set of conflicted tribes, linked by their pasts.

1 Samuel 14:16-30 tells the story the Hebrews conflict with the Philistines, the villains of the Hebrew Bible. It shares the adventure of Saul’s son, Jonathan, against the larger Philistine garrison, Saul’s rash restrictive oath, the success of small numbers and the impact of confusion or misreading a situation. My takeaway is we must be careful that, on impulse, we do not make a foolish vow/ promise that we cannot or should not keep. In this case it worked against Saul’s bigger victory against the “uncircumcised” Philistines.

Acts 9:10-19 to me is an important story that reveals Saul/Paul’s encounter with Christ. It is a conversation and a laying on of hands/healing/removal of scales. Paul’s conversion is one of the great stories of the early church. It has inspired Christians in every generation.

Luke 23:32-43 demonstrates in this compelling story how Christ concluded his ministry through his death. He faced death as he had lived - in complete faithfulness. My sense is that Luke tells us that God demonstrated his own righteousness in a decisive way Jesus lived in faith - that he lived for others; he died in faith and for others, as well.

Written by Walt Eilers

Walt Eilers lives in Little Rock, attends St. Mark’s and retains his St. Paul’s connection through Morning Reflections.