11.15.23 - Psalm 94:4-6
Stop at different moments today to take in different perspectives. Consider it a spiritual practice meant to deepen the awareness of our biases. Where can you imagine perspective taking being helpful?
They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. Lord, they crush your people; they oppress your heritage. They kill the widow and the resident alien and murder the fatherless
This is an interesting psalm to read along with the passage from 2 Samuel. I can hear the words cried out in the voice of Rizpah, asking for vengeance on those who "murder the fatherless".
But I can also see the Gibeonites asking the Creator for the same vengeance against Israel when Saul "attempted to destroy them in his zeal".
When we read scripture, I think it's common for us to read ourselves into the story as the protagonist. We see ourselves as Israel, as Paul, as Abraham... I think more can be gleaned when we see ourselves from other perspectives.
When are we "blood guilt" Israel, destroying by another's zeal? When are we Isaac, sacrificed?
Moreover, when are we observers in the crowd, not participating but only spectating? And when are we not in the story at all? What image of the Creator can we see in these lessons as well?
Stop at different moments today to take in different perspectives. Consider it a spiritual practice meant to deepen the awareness of our biases.
Where can you imagine perspective taking being helpful?
--Katelin Champion