Greetings,

Over the last couple of months we have been focusing on the story of David as told in the books of Isaiah, 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel.  I think this has been valuable as we don’t often look in depth at the Hebrew Scriptures.  It can be easy to make the mistake of thinking that what is recorded in the ‘old’ testament is irrelevant to us – maybe one of the reasons that we might choose to bypass some of these texts. 

It is true that we have dealt with some difficult passages over the last couple of weeks, and to be honest I have thought long and hard about focussing on these passages, but I don’t think we can ignore things just because they are difficult or make us feel uncomfortable.  Probably if we feel this way about something it is a prompting that we might need to pay more attention, and a reminder that our reality is not too far away from that which disturbs us.

In looking at David’s story I have witnessed the intersection between the biblical text and the reality of life in Australia in 2021.  From conversations with different people after church and during the week I know that some of you have seen it too.  David, as leader, stepped over the line with inappropriate behaviour.  The current conversation would suggest that some of our leaders also step over the line with inappropriate behaviour. 

Ms Represented with Annabel Crabb (Tuesday nights at 8pm on ABC) gives a raw and honest account of politics from women politicians.  It is well worth a look, and when listening to the stories of these women it seems that power and entitlement are still alive and well. 

In all our dealings may we strive to be the women and men we were created to be, people of integrity and generosity.

Blessings – Heather.