reconciliation?

Good evening sisters and brothers,
I hope you've found some time to reflect today for Ash Wednesday. In our crazy, fast-paced world we rarely have time to slow down. Today is a great chance to do that. There are still lots of slots open for silent prayer during the prayer vigil. If you're a night owl, you can come tonight from 9-midnight. Or if coming in tomorrow morning is better, maybe for a quiet hour of prayer before work, I'll be here starting at 5, so you can be too. We'll be open for prayer from 5am- noon tomorrow. The sanctuary is very peaceful and I've put out a few prayer books to stir your spirit if that helps. We know the world, our families, and our congregation need our prayer. We need that time to reflect and open ourselves to God as well. 


Our story of Saul and David continues today. As in many abusive relationships, it's not always as simple as violence and threats. Sometimes there are efforts to do better, attempts at reconciliation, promises of a change. Those moments make it harder for the abused person to leave. This isn't really a story about domestic violence, but it bears some similarities. In today's story, David's best friend, Saul's son Jonathan tries to bring Saul around to living peacefully with David.

Blessings,
Sam

1 Samuel 19:1-7

Saul spoke with his son Jonathan and with all his servants about killing David. But Saul’s son Jonathan took great delight in David. ²Jonathan told David, “My father Saul is trying to kill you; therefore be on guard tomorrow morning; stay in a secret place and hide yourself. ³I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you; if I learn anything I will tell you.” 

⁴Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his deeds have been of good service to you; ⁵for he took his life in his hand when he attacked the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced; why then will you sin against an innocent person by killing David without cause?” ⁶Saul heeded the voice of Jonathan; Saul swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be put to death.” ⁷So Jonathan called David and related all these things to him. Jonathan then brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before.