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I think that the quarterly lesson series editors want us to take specific historical accounts from the Old Testament and apply them generally – even universally – to our lives.  I agree with this goal, but some days it’s a stretch to do so when the context is really not there.  Today’s lesson scripture offers one instance of this:

6 He said to me, ‘It is your son Solomon who shall build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be a son to me, and I will be a father to him.
7 I will establish his kingdom forever if he continues resolute in keeping my commandments and my ordinances, as he is today.’
8 Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and search out all the commandments of the Lord your God; that you may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever.
9 ”And you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve him with single mind and willing heart; for the Lord searches every mind, and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will abandon you forever.
10 Take heed now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary; be strong, and act.”  1 Chron 28:6-10 (NRSV)

Sometimes when scripture doesn’t speak to me right off the bat I try using a form of Lectio Divina.  I tried that today and what struck me about this passage was the phrase at the very end: “Be strong, and act.”  I understand from a rational perspective that the editors want us to concentrate on that part of the scripture that talks about seeking and keeping God’s commandments, but I remain drawn to those closing words – “be strong, and act”!

I think about Tevye in the musical Fiddler on the Roof.  Remember the final verse of “If I were a Rich Man”?  Tevye longs for the time to spend studying scripture and debating with the rabbis near the Eastern Wall of the synagogue.  I can really identify with that desire – to read and read books on theology and biblical wisdom, and then to debate them with others.  But at heart I know that that doesn’t advance God’s kingdom – it is through acting in the strength of faith that we will ultimately accomplish God’s purpose: to creat a good and just world through the efforts of his creations: humankind.