Stroll through Scripture for Sunday, October 29, 2023

Stroll through Scripture for Sunday, October 30, 2023 assigned reading — 1 Kings 12:1–17, 25–29

Human history is full of stories of division and conflict. Stories about who has power and what they do with that power. Often stories about the use of power showcase something very common to the human experience — that those with power doesn’t really understand what power is to be used for and how. Those with power usually crumble under its weight.

In this Sunday’s reading we have the story of two kings after the death of King Solomon. It’s a time in which the tribes, who came together under Saul’s reign, are made strong during the David’s and Solomon’s reign, are not torn apart. And what a choice for people — follow the king who is going to impose cruelty on the people, or the king who makes Israel sin in creating golden calves to worship and sets his kingdom on a path of destruction.

Last week I read a story about the efforts of one of the candidates for the Speaker of the US House of Representatives in the ongoing vacancy that has consumed the chamber. Apparently, he was having his supporters put on a pressure campaign to members of his Conference in order to get them support him…or else. It backfired. Those in positions of power, as well as those seeking power, have often used what power they have to try to force others to comply with their will. And in the process, they create enemies who seek ways to undo them. And it never works out as smoothly as dreamed about.