Archives for July 2017

Celebration

Thought I would give a compassionate interpretation to this weeks lectionary reading

Lectionary for July 30, 2017

Celebration at Gibeon

 

Hebrew Scriptures:

 

1 Kings 3:5-12New International Version (NIV)

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.

“Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice,12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.

 

I Kings 3: 5-12 in Compassionate Language:

 

At Gibeon the Lord God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “I want to contribute to your life, what is alive for you right now?” Solomon answered, “God I so appreciate your kindness toward my father, David. Your kindness made his life easier and more joyful. Your connection with him stimulated for him confidence and hope. And now, your kindness has continued with the giving of an heir to the throne.” Solomon continues, “Now, my Lord, I am still very young, 20 years old and have no experience in carrying out the duties of a King. So, I ask for connection, continued connection to you and the ability to connect to those I contribute to, those I serve as king. I ask for an open and compassionate heart, and a kind spirit.” “With these things I will be able to be open to hearing the people, I will be able to respond with understanding and compassion, I will be able to connect to the God within them.” The Lord responded, “Connection, compassion and understanding are very important to you. You did not ask for money, revenge or power. You understand that “power with” is life affirming.” God continued, “So, listen with compassion, listen for feelings and needs. Connect with those you serve and together with them you can discover strategies that will grow your kingdom, not in land or wealth, but in giving to each other from the heart and caring for each other.“

Joy to you!

Mark

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