So a week ago today, I returned (along with about 100 friends) from a trip to Colorado known as Snowcamp. I’m not sure that these images set to music give the full sense of how jam-packed a week it was, but here goes…
Four for (Good) Friday
Elvis Perkins – Good Friday
Glen Hansard – All the Way Down
The Welcome Wagon – He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word
William Fitzsimmons – Please Forgive Me
Good Friday Reflection
Thou art, in the agony of death, more powerful than one thousand generals in one thousand wars.
With thy sorrows, thou art more joyous than Spring with its flowers.
With thy suffering, thou art more bravely silent than the crying of angels of heaven. Before thy lashers, thou art more resolute than the mountain of rock.
Thy wreath of thorns is more brilliant and sublime than the crown of Bahram. The nails piercing thy hands are more beautiful than the scepter of Jupiter.
The spatters of blood upon they feet are more resplendent than the necklace of Ishtar.
Forgive the weak who lament thee today, for they do not know how to lament themselves.
Forgive them, for they do not know that thou hast conquered death with death, and bestowed life upon the dead.
Forgive them, for they do not know that thy strength still awaits them.
Forgive them, for they do not know that every day is thy day.
– Kahlil Gibran
Cover-to-Cover – Week 13
Sam Amidon – How Come That Blood
So I’m a bit behind in the old Bible reading. Shocking, I know. At any rate, I have finished 1 Samuel which is essentially the story (or tragedy) of Saul.
Part of what saddens me about Saul’s story is the same thing I appreciate about it. It is so very real. So typically human. Saul starts with all kinds of amazing potential. He’s the very first king of Israel. He has some major victories and is loved by the nation.
However, it doesn’t take long for things to start heading downhill. In fact, the rest of 1 Samuel could be seen as Saul’s steady descent into becoming a lesser man. His thirst for power and popularity cause him to act rashly, and apparently disqualifies him from being a fit leader of the nation.
As David’s star begins to rise (pathetic pun, I know), he becomes jealous and petty. And what began as a man of strength and power degenerates into an insecure wannabe. If it weren’t so very typical, it might be funny. However, it’s universal applicability is what makes it ring true.
I’ve wondered repeatedly while reading through this book if there was the possibility of things being different for Saul. Could he have repented? Could he have chosen to honor God (and David)? Could he have taken the high road? Could his story have been redeemed? I like to think so.