Division

     Sunday marks the birthday of a great leader of this nation who served during a time of division and strife in the early 1860's - Abraham Lincoln.  Lincoln is generally regarded as a simple man thrust into a conflict that brought out qualities that are recognized by most historians as great.  And his legacy continues.

     But during his tenure, the nation was divided politically, economically and socially.  There was the struggle of the North and the South, the prosperous industrial North and the struggling agricultural South, the slave states and those free of slavery, division regarding states rights vs federal government.  The issues were complex and numerous.  A war was fought - brother against brother - the hurtful remnants of which still exist.

     This morning's reading from the Hebrew Scriptures tells us of the division that came upon God's Kingdom during the reign of Jeroboam, the son of Solomon.  The reasons were also complex and numerous.  Rebellion against the central authority (of God) was at the heart of things.  There would now be two kingdoms - North and South - Judah and Israel - ten tribes in one, two in the other, brother against brother.  The split would never be breached.  But neither would there be an abandonment of his people by God because of the greatness of another leader, David.  He is a benchmark among leaders of Israel, despite his failings and transgressions.  Thus, the Lord did not abandon his broken people, as he did not abandon this nation in her time of rebellion and trial.

     We find ourselves often divided in  our loyalties between the God who loves us and calls us to his life verses our own desires and sinfulness that leads us to death.  It would seem that the choice is so clear, that there would not be a question as to where we go.  But, for some reason, we tend to split our loyalties and come up short.  When that happens, there is only one answer - unity (with God), sorrow (for our arrogance), and a humble spirit with each other and with the Lord.  That leaves room for restoration and unity and life.