Tuesday 07 June 2016

Psalm: Psalm98

Background

This reading is about rebellions by two men.Solomon continues to 'do his own thing' and rebel against God.Jeroboam, an Ephraimite who had clearly impressed Solomon and beenpromoted to be in charge of a considerable labour force, now rebelsagainst the king. This is probably a result of crippling taxationand forced labour policies in the north of the kingdom. Jeroboamattempted a 'coup' which failed and resulted (1Kings 11:40) in Jeroboam fleeing to Egypt, staying there untilSolomon's death.

What seems to have prompted Jeroboam's rebellion ishis talk with Ahijah the prophet and this colourful story oftearing his new garment into pieces. The prophet demonstrates inthis way that the kingdom will be divided, namely Judah on its ownremaining around Jerusalem, with the northern tribes becomingIsrael. This must surely have seemed a confirmation to Jeroboamthat the division of the kingdom was coming soon. However, hisdecision to rebel at this point may have been a littlepremature!

Possibly some of us will have lived and worked incountries where a coup or revolution has happened; it usuallyresults in a period of temporary chaos, before things settle down.Probably all of us have had rebellious thoughts, and even takenaction, when things have been perceived as 'not right' - in thefamily, in school or college, in the workplace - in our dealingswith authority figures. At the root of such a rebellion is oftenthe feeling of being unjustly treated. Sometimes these feelings ofinjustice are not for ourselves, but can be the hurt we feel onbehalf of others. In such moments, as Christians, it would beadvisable to consult with others to make sure that our actions arebased on seeking the common good, and not just a self-centredknee-jerk reaction.

Reconciling was what Jesus was all about. His wayof dealing with the injustices of his own day was based on enablingpeople to see each other and themselves as God's children, to seekcommon justice, and ultimately to demonstrate mercy.

To Ponder

• Are you are aware of any injustices affecting those around you?How might you get involved 'for the common good'?

• Justice and mercy might sometimes seem incompatible. Can youthink of an example where justice was/is essential alongside theChristian understanding of mercy? What is it?