1. In her sermon today, Christina taught about the contrast between Saul & David’s approaches to kingship, highlighting that Saul’s reign was desired by the people of Israel partially in response to the period of the Judges and its unpredictable uncertainty.
Where in your life do you get to show leadership? To what extent is your own leadership style a reaction against undesirable periods or experiences in the past? What does that end up looking like? How well is it serving those you lead?
Considering the period of unpredictable political uncertainty in which we find ourselves, to what types of political and social leadership do you tend to be drawn? To what extent are themes & people that directly react to the current chaos appealing to you? Thinking outside of only those who hold political office, what else attracts you to a leader? What things matter most in their leadership?
2. Christina also talked about the reality that all of us, though to differing degrees, hold power of some kind. She then asked, “What would it be like not to deflect power, but to instead reflect on how we use our power?” So, what would that be like? Spend a little time reflecting on that now, and share with the group.
She also prompted us to consider the opportunities we might have to act with and demonstrate hesed.
hesed (definition and review)
- Embedded in the very self-definition of YHWH
- Often translated love, kindness, mercy
- Other divine characteristics are “drawn” to it: truth, justice, faithfulness, compassion
- Often entails extravagant generosity that is not expected to be reciprocated
What opportunities do you have for demonstrating hesed in the various places in which you have power? How often and how do you take advantage of them?
3. Christina also asked us to consider what might fill the pages of our own autobiographies and biographies if they were to be written. Know that no human is all good or all bad, and setting aside the big moments that tend to act as mile markers in life stories, what themes do you think would emerge about the way you lived and live your life, engage in the world, interact with others, and wield your power?
