The Riverwalk (a Lectionary reflection by Steve Orr)

I'm sitting on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. My objective this morning was to wander along these paths, enjoy the relative coolness of being below-street, take in the beauty, and then, maybe, find a spot to sit and think (and write).

Mission somewhat accomplished.

After a lazy meander, I am now sipping iced tea and nibbling on fresh berries (with just a smidge of cream) at "Ostra," a pleasant eatery on the banks of the San Antonio River. Across from me is La Mansion, one of SA's finest hotels for several decades. We stayed there on our honeymoon.

I am sitting here under a large market umbrella and happy for it: the sun is merciless, even down here. It is much warmer at street level, but even down here the shade is very welcome. I am surrounded by greenery.

All would be ideal but for one thing. When I set out on this little jaunt, I had forgotten something important, failed to take into account something critical

Jackhammer season.

Yes, even in Texas, summer is when we repair our streets. It is a factor one might forget when planning a vacation. Or a stroll along the banks of a river. In my defense, all was ideal when I sat down. The cacophony started about the time my berries arrived, and continues still. Everything else is as expected and desired. Still, even the accumulation of every other positive factor is not enough to overcome the one negative factor of the jackhammer.

One change can change everything.

That's the situation we encounter in this week's Lectionary selection from 2nd Samuel. As promised to David by God, in response to David's evil actions connected to Bathsheba, one of his grown sons has led a rebellion to overthrow the kingdom. The intrigues led to war, and, at the time of this passage, the war has moved in the "forest of Ephraim."

It was the final battle.

Scripture reports, "The forest claimed more victims that day than the sword." (2Samuel 18:8 NRSV)

We could speculate about the possible outcomes of those battles, that war; and many have. Some take the scripture at face value, believing the thick undergrowth, steep ravines, pits, and precipices were directly responsible for the rebels' deaths. Even the Targum (Rabbinic opinion; e.g., THE source in the days Jesus taught) states they were devoured by the beasts of the forest. Others, though, believe the thick forest prevented them from outrunning their pursuers, resulting in deaths by sword, just not on the "field of battle." But, just about everyone agrees on one thing: when those rebels moved into that forest, they made a fatal mistake.

Our takeaway? There are many, potentially. Environment matters. Planning needs to account for as many factors as possible. Choose your battles. No battle plan ever survives actual contact with the enemy. Know your terrain. Wicked friends lead to wicked ends. I'm sure you can think of others.

For me, it's this: align yourself with God's chosen.

Circumstances will vary (you never know when a jackhammer will start up), and some will be bad, but they all pale in comparison to eternity.

Choose wisely. And if you're not sure how to do that, then choose love. You can't go wrong with love.
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READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/

Proper 14 (19) (August 9, 2015)
First reading and Psalm
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Psalm 130
Alternate First reading and Psalm
1 Kings 19:4-8
Psalm 34:1-8
Second reading
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Gospel
John 6:35, 41-51
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Friday's coming! Will you be with us for Lectionary Breakfast? We're continuing to meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Waco "Egg and I" restaurant. Our time together, though brief, sets the tone for the whole day. Join us for food, scripture, a "robust exchange of ideas," and some hilarity (seriously) 😊

Enjoy the week!
Steve