Friday, November 12, 2020
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2 Samuel 11 and 12 and Psalm 51
Sin and Parable – Part VI
Cleanse me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
I always wonder about Bathsheba. e might see her as one dimensional, a figure standing for beauty and grace, a woman-object, a child-bearer. Yet she endures in David’s court. And while she shares in David’s act, no mention is made of her grief or guilt, most likely because she is a female, chattel in these ancient times. We can imagine how much she may have suffered. She continues to appear in Kings and in Chronicles and is revered as Solomon’s mother, yet she is a quiet back-figure in this long-running story of sin and parable.
Let me hear joy and gladness, let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
It is appropriate that this story come to us as we near the end of the Liturgical year and prepare for Advent. The beautiful psalm of repentance, Psalm 51, was written when Nathan came to David after having committed adultery.
Oh Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise.
When we sing this song of repentance we are repeating the words of one who has lusted, one who has slept with another’s beloved, one who has arranged murder. This is fitting, for in some way we all transgress on those around us when we covet, take or tear down something or someone. And there are many small ways in which we end a life beyond the physical act of murder. We might destroy someone emotionally, professionally, psychologically or spiritually. et, there is always mercy to be sought . . . and granted.
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Then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners will turn back to you.
There is much to be heard in this story. There is much to be lived, much to be sung. David takes something he wants. David destroys. Nathan speaks. Nathan restores. Relationships cannot be put back as they had been, time cannot be reversed, and although Uriah cannot return, some quality, some relationship reappears. Bridges can be built. Pride can be put aside. Transgressions can be brought to light. Forgiveness can be sought and given. Restoration can happen.
Miracles can take place . . . souls can be saved.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
What do we do when Nathan stands before us? How do we react? When confronted by big sin, we need a big spirit. We need constant relationships which help us to develop rather than comfortable friends who discourage us from growth or who encourage us to wallow. We need a steadfast spirit, a renewed heart, an eager soul. We need God. And these we have all been given. We need only take them up and commit ourselves to them.
Create in me a pure heart, oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Create in me an open willingness to listen. Renew in me a faithful heart that takes in the world.
Amen.
To discover the medicinal uses of hyssop and how it was used in ancient times, click on the botanical image above or go to: http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/hyssop48.html
Second image from: http://mydaybook.wikidot.com/giant-hyssop
Adapted from a reflection written on February 13, 2008.
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