June 7, 2009

Texts:
Genesis 14 and 15
Psalm 3 and 4

Genesis 14--in this text, it is Abraham the war maker who is blessed. This story seems somewhat at odds with Genesis' portrayal of Abraham as a semi-nomadic herder. Where did the army come from? In any case, Melchizidek, a Canaanite king and priest, gives Abraham a blessing after Abraham's military success. Melchizidek is perhaps more famous for his appearance in the Book of Hebrews. (Heb 7:1-17) That reference stems from this passage.

Genesis 15--the blessing is restated in a vision, with some more details. Does it sound like a blessing to you?

Psalm 3 and 4
In the psalms, you will find prayers for the defeat of enemies, for the destruction of enemies. Recently, a former officer of the Southern Baptist Convention Pastor Wiley Drake, announced that he is praying for President Obama to die, as he prayed for Dr. Tiller, the recently murdered abortion provider, to die. You can see the article here. To justify his atrocious theology, he cites "imprecatory" prayer language in the psalms. What say you?

Please note, in the article, that the Southern Baptist Convention has disavowed Pastor Drake's statements. My ire is reserved here for Pastor Drake himself. I have many good and faithful friends who are a part of the Southern Baptist tradition.