Leaders Reflection
I noticed that the theme of using a person’s ancestry to legitimize and ground that
person was carried into these “Leaders” readings as well. For example, in Genesis
when Lot was taken by the enemy of Sodom and Gomorrah it was specifically
mentioned that he was the nephew of Abraham. I also noticed that all the leaders or
heroes of these stories did what they did ultimately for God. I think this was most
likely done in order to reinforce the idea that as long as people followed the word of
God, they would be successful in what they were doing. In 1 Samuel, the story of
Saul defeating the Ammonites reminded me of the David and Goliath story, mostly
due to the underdog theme, although it wasn’t as prevalent as in the story of David
and Goliath. The idea that those who are ultimately successful are those that are
acting on God’s will is again reinforced in Psalm 2:1-9;110:1-6. I found that the main
message of this verse was that God rewarded and protected faith. It also seemed like
an assurance of victory for those who were acting for God. What I found most
interesting was the question about paying taxes. When people ask Jesus whether it
used the power of ancestry to legitimize people’s power and importance.