Today's Scripture Reading (November 10, 2025): 2 Samuel 19
I am a sports fan. Not
everyone understands the passion that I have for a group of men playing with a
ball or puck (I think that sums up all of the sports I follow). In my younger
days, I was more vocal than I am today, and I apologize to all the people who
had to put up with me in my youth. I am still as passionate, but I keep it under
wraps more.
There was a day when I would
shout my affirmation for a team, and put down the other. I would join in as the
fans tried to bother the players by making fun of the opposing team's stars. I
knew what it was to shout "whiner" whenever the visiting team
happened to be the Wayne Gretzky-led "Edmonton Oilers" of the
National Hockey League. And I am genuinely sorry to all whom I might have
offended.
Now, I probably express my
passion more through my writing than through my voice. I have not been
supportive of some national and international politicians, and again, I
apologize. I appreciate that some of you are still reading. To be honest, I
often feel politically that I am someone without a home because I am not comfortable
with either right or left political organizations. I am a centrist without a
party that represents my beliefs. I guess that is the definition of those who
declare they are politically independent. However, sometimes I wish that I had
a home.
I find myself in the same
place in the Christian Church. I am an evangelical Christian, but I find that
the evangelical movement has changed, and there are places where I am not at
home within the movement. I strongly believe in the authority of the Bible, but
it is precisely that authority that has raised questions about some of the
Christian Church's beliefs. Maybe we need another reformation, I'm not sure.
But I must admit that I sometimes wish my denominational affiliations were a
little less sure of what they believe. It is part of what I consider essential
to a teachable spirit. I am trying to teach myself to hold my theological
beliefs loosely, so that the Holy Spirit can teach me what I need to know.
Shimei ben Gera was of the
tribe of Benjamin. And he, probably nostalgically, cheers the defeat of David
and shouts curses at the King. (Did I mention I used to shout "Whiner"
at Wayne Gretzky? Okay, Shimei's curses were probably a little more serious
than mine.) However, there is no doubt that Shimei allowed his real feelings to
be known. It is not that Shimei wanted Absalom to reign as King; he likely
hoped that the demise of the house of David would open the door for
Mephibosheth to take the throne as a living descendant of Saul, the King who
had emerged from the Tribe of Benjamin.
When it was over, Shimei
realized that he had done wrong. I would probably tell Wayne that it wasn't me
shouting "Whiner" in the stands, but Shimei admits that it was he who
had cursed David. And the penalty for cursing the King was death. Enter Abishai
ben Zeruiah; he reminds the King that Shimei should be executed. But David has
commuted the sentence. He knows Shimei is guilty of a capital crime, but he
accepts his repentance and agrees not to kill him. However, that does not mean
there will be no penalty; the responsibility for the penalty against Shimei
would be left to David's successor, Solomon. "But now, do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you
will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood"
(2 Kings 2:9).
Tomorrow's Scripture Reading:
2 Samuel 20
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