Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Amasa swayed the hearts of all the people of Judah as one, and they sent word to the king, ‘Return, both you and all your servants.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Thursday, October 29, 2020
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Political intrigue abounds in 2 Samuel. David’s eldest son, Absalom, seizes the throne and his father flees. Then Absalom is killed in battle and David, after wailing his grief over the loss, makes plans to return to Jerusalem. But the folks in Judah are in dispute over it, so it’s up to David’s ally Amasa to convince everyone. And, clearly, he does. We’re not told what he says or to whom, only that he “swayed the hearts of all the people of Judah as one.” So, in the end, the will of the people prevails over the powers in dispute about David’s return.
Let that be a lesson to us. We can’t just sit around waiting for the folks in elected positions to figure out how to deal with issues of climate change, systemic racism, and pervasive injustice. It’s the people en masse who need to take action, provide solutions, and hold our officials accountable. That’s why grassroots organizing is so effective. It “sways the hearts” of the people and mobilizes them for the good of all. That’s the way real, lasting change happens.
Gracious God, inspire me to get involved with my fellow people to work for justice in all of your beautiful creation. Amen.
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