Mon, Jan 19: “Does the LORD so delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obedience to the command of the LORD?
Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission than the fat of rams” (1 Sm 15:16-23). Readings like this are tough. I am uncomfortable hearing God instruct Saul to utterly destroy the people and property of another nation. But if we get too caught up in the tribal context of the OT, we can fail to learn important lessons. Here, Saul thinks he is doing God one better by sparing the best of the enemy’s livestock to sacrifice in thanksgiving to God. What God desires is obedience. Provision: Don’t try to “one up” God. Perhaps we go overboard attempting to atone for past sins or we refuse to forgive ourselves rather than simply accepting God’s mercy. Or we devise elaborate rituals when all God wants from us are humble, loving hearts, open to God’s commands. Do you ever assume to know better than God?

Tue, Jan 20: “How can I go? Saul will hear of it and kill me.” To this the LORD answered: “Take a heifer along and say,
‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD” (1 Sm 16:1-13). I love this dialogue. Samuel expresses his well-founded fear and God doesn’t dismiss it or lord over Samuel. Instead, God devises a plan in partnership with Samuel to keep him safe. Provision: Have a dialogue with God. Have you faced a sticky situation like Samuel faces? You don’t want to be dishonest, but you also don’t want to raise someone’s ire by following what you know to be God’s will. It could be with a family member or friend, or at work or school. Talk to God and ask God’s help to find a way to do what you know is right without lying or inflaming the situation.

Wed, Jan 21: Looking around at them with anger, [Jesus was] mortified at the hardness of their hearts (Mk 3:1-6, literal Greek). I understand what it means to be angry and mortified—literally disgusted, ashamed, and embarrassed —by the hardness of heart on display today. I also know there is much compassion and love and mercy being shown as well that doesn’t make for “clickbait” headlines. But like Jesus, despite anger and disgust, I am to counter hardness of heart with mercy. Provision: Look for opportunities to show compassion. Pay attention to what is happening around you. Seek out places to serve where you can show mercy for people who are withered with angst and fear. By your actions, you may help soften the hard-hearted who witness your love.

Thu, Jan 22: “My wanderings you have counted; my tears are stored in your flask” (Ps 56). Several years ago, a friend was working with an asylee woman from Cameroon. Rebels had killed her husband and elder son, and it was only a matter of time when she and her young son would be killed as well. She somehow arranged for them to escape on a flight to Brazil, and then walked—yes, walked—to the US border and found her way to Maryland. On the way, she was raped and gave birth to another child. When I read this psalm, I imagine her tears and the size of the flask in which God held them. God brought her to safety, and I pray she is still safe and not afraid. Provision: Be a “flask” for another’s tears. There are enough tears out there to fill an ocean, especially within the immigrant community, but also in our families and local communities. Yes, we should do our best to work to address the causes of those tears, but sometimes, all we can do is be there to hold them for another. We can’t change the past and often cannot fix the future, but by being there, we can provide comfort.

Fri, Jan 23: [David] said, " LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to the LORD's anointed, as to lay a hand on him …." With these words David restrained his men (1 Sm 24:3-21). How do you think David’s troops felt when he refused to kill Saul? Let’s be real here: some were incredulous; others, disappointed (“Let’s get this over with and go home!”); others, worried about his courage. But I imagine there were some who saw this act of nonviolence as a sign of great faith. Provision: Let faith in God be your guide. In OT times, David’s restraint was very rare! Perhaps this is why God saw David as a man after God’s own heart! (1 Sm 13). Nonviolence is pacifist but it doesn’t call for passivity. And in these times when government leaders preach “might makes right,” having an active living faith is even more important. Pay attention and let faith guide your actions.

Sat, Jan 24:  David rent [his garments] and all the men did likewise. (2 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27). “He is out of his mind” (Mk 3:20-21). David is mourning Saul and Jonathan (maybe Jonathan more 😉). Between yesterday’s episode and today’s story, Saul has continued to try to kill David. I imagine some of the men who follow David’s lead and rent their garments are the same ones who witness David’s continued mercy on Saul. A few of them probably think, “He is out of his mind!” Provision: How are you called to be “out of your mind?”