It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Happiness, a Reflection on Psalm 128

The lectionary offers Psalm 128 as an alternative to Psalm 105 as a response to the reading from Genesis. But, I'm struck more by the similarity of its message with the reading from 1 Kings this week. Looking again at Solomon's prayer--"Since you have made me the king of a lot of people, I'll need some help. Give me  an understanding mind, the ability to discern between good and evil. After all, who can govern your people?"

The rest of us, even though we aren't kings, also need those same qualities.

Psalm 128 says that our happiness comes from doing what the Lord wants. And, like Solomon's prayer, this happiness comes from doing your job (or along with doing your job?).

Keep reading. The blessings being granted are seeing the prosperity of Jerusalem and one's grandchildren. Both are important--the well being of the nation, the well being of one's own family. Doing what the Lord commands underlies both.


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