Monday 6 June

2 Samuel 9:1-10:19

It seems like Hanun the Ammonite had the same sort of fashion sense as Lady Gaga.  And as David was so keen on stripping off and making a fool of himself (see 4 June) he seems to have been incredibly restrained not to have pranced over to Jericho to show solidarity with his delegation.  It is amazing how in these passages we see David on the one side actively seeking opportunities to show kindness while we see the Ammonites on the other side actively seeking opportunities to be cynical.  I know cynicism is hard.  I’ve struggled with it myself on many occasions and, in truth it can sometimes have its merits.  But what a dampner it can put on life and what a downward spiral it can provoke in its users.  The Ammonites could and should have been enjoying life-enhancing relations with the Israelites but instead they were getting smashed around the battle-field.  And all because they chose to assume the worst.  If constant cynicism isn’t sinful (which it might well be), it sure is foolish.  Instead of cynicism I want to put on goodness and kindness and generosity, trying to find people to keep promises to or to overwhelm with the kindness of God.  I see a lot of people at SWLV who do this.  There are incredible acts of kindness being done by many of our people, displaying the character of Love that always hopes, always trusts and always perseveres.  I want to join them.  I want to become one of them.  There must be many more Mephibosheths out there and I know that the kindness of God has not yet reached its limit.

Acts 3:1-26

It must have taken Peter some guts to look the crippled beggar in the eye and tell him to walk.  Peter surely must have seen the Holy Spirit was working but still, full respect to the man for responding to the prompting and pushing through with it so fully.  It seems like boldness is a key trait of those early maniacs of the faith.  They boldly step out in faith and then see God move, provoking wonder and amazement in the minds of all who witness it.  The apostles then act boldly once again in making the most of this new-found openness, preaching the message of the authority of Jesus, the culpability of the people and the prospect of repentance and refreshing.  I mean, can you actually imagine ever telling some random strangers that they killed the author of life??  But I long to see the miraculous acts and conversions of the early church and I get this sneaking suspicion that it is going to require me being willing to step out in a similar level of boldness to Peter and John.  Oh well, what the heck - a lot of people think I’m weird anyway and I won’t care a jot what people think if I see a crippled beggar walking.  Come on then, Holy Spirit, I’m up for this if you are going to help me.  Please would you make me bold and ready to step out when I feel your prompting.

Psalm 70:1-5

Again we see David in the midst of a major crisis and yet his prayers extend to others who are seeking God.  He never seems to allow himself to become too intraspective.