June 1, 2011

June 1, 2011 Wednesday, 5:53 am Springfield, 72 muggy degrees.

A new month, the beginning of a long, hot summer, United Methodist Annual Conference comes to town. I am always energized by the start of a new month. Each month has its own feel. My dad would often say “And what is so rare as a day in June/Then, if ever, come perfect days.” I have since learned via the internet that these are words penned by the poet James Russell Lowell (February 22, 1819 – August 12, 1891).

2 Sam 18 -19:10

David organizes his troops with leaders of thousands and leaders of hundreds. Planning to go to battle with them, they convince him to stay put while they confront the troops of Israel under the rebel king Absalom, David’s son. He gives instruction to his three generals, not to harm Absalom. As the fighting unfolds, the forest of Ephraim consumes more lives than does the battle. 20,000 men are killed.

Absalom gets hung up in a low tree as his mule went under the thick branches of an oak. He was found, and Joab thrust him through with three spears, and he was finished off by the ten young men who carried Joab’s armor (18:14-15). The troops of Israel fled, and Joab sent word to David by a runner, the Cushite. Ahimaaz wanted to carry the news, and Joab eventually relented, and let him go also. When David received the message that his forces had been victorious, and that Absalom was dead, he grieved for his son. This caused the troops to be ashamed, and infuriated his commander Joab. Joab spoke his mind to David, who arose and went to the gate to speak to the troops and people gathered.

David continued to lead with authority and to command with cunning, even as he is on the run from his son who has usurped the throne. This reminds me that under all conditions, the servants of God must keep making progress, using the gifts they have been given, and no matter how hard it gets, continue to trust God and lead with authority and courage.

Thank you Lord for the “charge to keep I have,” as pastor, teacher, leader of a great company of disciples called Wesley United Methodist Church. These 4 years have gone by rapidly. Guide me as I approach Annual Conference and the weeks and months ahead. Guard me from anything that would sidetrack or subvert the course upon which You have set my feet.