I had a difficult time with David. I trust God knows his heart, but I don’t like him. In his early days, he was something special. As he got fat and entitled, he drifted – badly. He used his privilege as King to avoid his duty and stayed back while he sent his army out. He napped during the day and strolled out on his roof to look around. He was a predator hunting for something to fill an emptiness. He had, and wanted more. I grew up being taught that Bathsheba was to blame somehow. As an adult, my blood boils at David’s taking.
What an old familiar pattern! See -> Desire -> Take. In Genesis 3:6 Eve “saw…desired…took”; same word in Hebrew, Laqach (to take/seize). Genesis 6:2 also uses the same word “sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair (desired); and they took…” David continued a long tradition, as do I. Not the same level as David, but I too grasp for what I want instead of receiving what God offers. Thankfully, the story continues. In Psalm 51, David repented. He switched from taking to asking God to create. “Be merciful, O Lord, for we (I) have sinned.”
Today’s readings held so much for me that I feel like I can’t put it all in one reflection. I’m all over the place. I do not apologize. I am just overwhelmed with gratitude. I have read what it was like for David’s kingdom. Now I get to read what it is like for the Kingdom of God. The farmer does not take the seed and rip it out of the ground because he desires the fruit. The farmer waits and receives. The farmer can sleep, knowing God will take care of God’s Kingdom. I feel like I am being asked, “Where do I want to live?”
Maybe He’s asking you too?
Greg Dyche
As a professor at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business, I teach courses in Management Information Systems, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence. With over 40 years of professional experience and a commitment to helping students discover “the possibilities of technology,” I bring both technical expertise and a heart for service to my work. I am grateful to participate in Creighton’s Online Ministry, sharing in the journey of faith through daily scripture reflections.
