Living in the Spirit
August 13, 2018
Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
Then David slept with his ancestors, and was buried in the city of David. The time that David reigned over Israel was forty years; he reigned for seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established.
Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places. The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt-offerings on that altar. –1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3—4
Passing the torch of leadership in good times is probably the desire of all leaders. David had lived through turmoil, lead battles even against his older son, and buried his best friend killed as he fought next to his father King Saul. David, too, loved the Lord and taught his son Solomon to do the same. He must have grown into the role of father. It is better to grow into wisdom than away from it.
We have little experience dealing with monarchies with hereditary structures of rule. Even those countries that still have monarchies usually have some type of shared rule. Rule by one person today is usually classified as a dictatorship. In the USA we operate within a form of representative government with three branches having a checks-and-balance system over each other. Whether we like it or not, we are responsible for the leadership of our country, if we choose to fulfill our roles as citizen and fully engage in the process of electing those leaders or if we do not.
While we may long for the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job while we discern how we vote, I think the more important key is determining whose message is right and just within the framework of the love of God as manifested in Jesus Christ. It is all too easy in our world today to lose sight of the Common Good and only deal with what is in it for me. Campaigns are often targeted at our most self-centered vulnerable inclinations. Digging deeper into candidates’ accomplishments and demonstrated positions on issues is necessary to make those wise decisions for which we long.
Prayer: Grant us the insight we need to make the right decisions during this election cycle. Amen.