Elijah’s world did not sound much different than ours.  Leadership suffered under foolish choices and turned away from the God of the people.  The nation suffered under civil and political unrest due to “unholy” alliances with foreign powers.  Israel was… Continue reading

“Judah and Israel were as numerous as sand grains on the seashore; they ate, drank and enjoyed themselves” (1 Kings 4:20). While the grains of sand are not quite stars, we still catch a reminder that God maintained his part of… Continue reading

Today’s reading (2 Sam. 16-19) addressed the civil war between King David and opposing forces within the tribes of Israel.  Leading one of the rebellions was King David’s son, Absalom.  In spite of the outright defiance of his very own… Continue reading

“‘Dance then wherever you may be.  I am the Lord of the dance,’ said He. ‘And I will leave you all wherever you may be, and I’ll lead you all in the dance,’ said He” (Sydney Carter). “Then David danced… Continue reading

The readings for the past few days from 1 Samuel demonstrate Davids potential leadership, and how he steps into the role of the king after Saul.  For this part of the story, we catch a glimpse of David, the nomad. … Continue reading

One day Saul was the anointed king of Israel.  The first person to hold the title of a monarch. He appeared to be the one to lead Israel but soon lost favor with Samuel (the prophet).  And the reason he… Continue reading

Much of Hannah’s prayer (1Sam. 2:1-10) is very similar in structure and style to Mary’s hymn of praise (Lk 1:46-55).  The first reading begins “My heart exults in the Lord!” while the New Testament account begins “My soul magnifies the… Continue reading

Today’s reading covers the story of Sampson (Judges 14-16).  The tale reads like something out of a Shakespearean tragedy.  A leader of the people, blessed with outlandish strength, is strong and firm in his commitment to God.  His dedication hits… Continue reading

Throughout the Hebrew Bible, we see a never-ending circle of actions that fail to correct themselves but always face dire consequences.  The repetition of God’s favor, to the people, leads to sin and they do what is displeasing to the… Continue reading

Just when you thought it was safe to get over the endless lists of does and don’ts; rule after rule, there is more to the story.  Joshua 15-17 discusses the boundaries regarding borders in the “Land Flowing with Milk and… Continue reading