In Bethlehem
A Lenten Poem Inspired by David's Anointing
Each week, I write a poem alongside the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary. My goal isn’t to explain the passage or summarize it, but simply to listen—to sit with the text and notice what rises within and spills on the page.
This week, I found myself drawn to the moment when the prophet Samuel expects one of Jesse’s older, stronger sons to be the one God has chosen, yet God surprises him. The youngest—the shepherd boy still out in the fields—is the chosen one. I was struck by how unexpected that choice is, and how often God’s wisdom concerning the heart differs from how we tend to solve problems.
As always, you don’t need to follow the lectionary to read along. These poems are simply an invitation to pause with a piece of scripture and see what it might spark in you.
In Bethlehem
After 1 Sam 16:1-13
I keep coming back to
the ancient story
because, deeply, I long
for an alternative to
contortions labeled as truth.
The ones that say, “Bombs must be dropped.”
and “Winning is everything.”
When Yours says, “The Shepherd will rule.”
I keep coming back to
the ancient story
because it is there
I see how You look at the heart
and invite us to hold gifts wrapped in paradox.
I keep coming back to
the ancient story
because I need to believe
that in Bethlehem
a new day begins.
And if it can in Bethlehem it can in me.