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The Pursuit Of Wisdom Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 Janice B. Scott 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 |
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The USA probably
has the right idea. Americans only allow their presidents to remain in office
for two terms. After that, no matter how good they are or how popular they are,
presidents have to make way for someone else. Politicians, like everyone else,
can become hostage to the pressures of high office. They may start very well,
but after a number of years at the top sometimes seem to lose touch with the
very people they are representing. And then it can be difficult to remove them
and their country suffers.
It has ever been thus. When Solomon was
crowned king of Israel, it seemed that perhaps the problems thrown up towards
the end of David's time were at last over and there was a new beginning for the
people.
David's problems had started when he lusted after Bathsheba,
Solomon's mother, ordering the death of her husband Uriah in order that David
and Bathsheba's adultery might be kept hidden. After ...