That Horse is Ready for a Fight!

Psalm 33:12-22  New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.

The Lord looks down from heaven;
he sees all humankind.
From where he sits enthroned he watches
all the inhabitants of the earth—
he who fashions the hearts of them all
and observes all their deeds.
A king is not saved by his great army;
a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
The war horse is a vain hope for victory,
and by its great might it cannot save.

Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
to deliver their soul from death
and to keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the Lord;
he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him
because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.

Recreation of an Egyptian war chariot from the Early New Kingdom. Based on historical wall paintings, the armor and chariot from Tutankhamun's (r. c.1336-c.1327 BCE) tomb, and illustrations by artist Angus McBride.

Reflection

     Our only hope is in God. It is easier said than followed through with. We do trust in our might.

 Deep down we really do think many times that "might makes right." Individual, community, corporate, national and international sins form a mountain in this category! 

     It also strikes me to the core that the desire to have a military messiah, a powerful leader in strategic or political strength is clearly proclaimed to be the wrong path here in the Psalms. We should have known better when Jesus became flesh and dwelled among us. We need to still remember that "the war horse is a vain hope for victory."

Dear Lord, guide us to trust only in you. Help us to turn aside from our accomplishments or the accolades about any one regular mortal. You alone are worthy of hope and victory in all circumstances. All praise and thanks to you! Amen.

The Unread Contrasts

Psalm 55:16-23  New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

But I call upon God,
and the Lord will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon
I utter my complaint and moan,
and he will hear my voice.
He will redeem me unharmed
from the battle that I wage,
for many are arrayed against me.
God, who is enthroned from of old, 
will hear and will humble them,
because they do not change
and do not fear God.

My companion laid hands on a friend
and violated a covenant with me
with speech smoother than butter
but with a heart set on war,
with words that were softer than oil
but in fact were drawn swords.

Cast your burden on the Lord,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.

But you, O God, will cast them down
into the lowest pit;
the bloodthirsty and treacherous
shall not live out half their days.
But I will trust in you.

Reflection

     It still amazes me how, after reading and studying the Bible for decades, I continue to be surprised. I guess I shouldn't be amazed that I am surprised, but it is a joyful feeling of wonder and humility. I remember a classmate in seminary asking our preaching professor what to do after a few years. The Lectionary cycle is only three years, so you have essentially the same texts. She responded that there are three texts and a psalm for each week, that you hold you for well over 12 years. She then smiled and said something like, I think you will find that each time you return to a text for preaching or study, God speaks to us anew and reveals things that you never noticed before.

     Even still, as I read today's Psalm, I asked myself, "Have I ever read this before?" (Even though I know I have read through the entire Bible and the daily lectionary.) There were more than one line that jumped at me in newness.

with speech smoother than butter
but with a heart set on war,
with words that were softer than oil
but in fact were drawn swords.

The contrasts of butter and war, oil and swords spoke to me deeply in the context of geopolitical conflicts near and far, as well as conversations with hurting persons knowing the deep pain of personal betrayal and lives torn apart.

     Yet, the incredible promise and hope of 

Cast your burden on the Lord,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.

spoke to me more deeply than I had expected. I had heard a moving song in my devotional time yesterday, and a line bothered me ("Firm Foundation (He Won't)" video below). "I've never seen the righteous forsaken." The first time I heard the line in the song many months ago, I struggled with the line. I could not help but wonder about the great question of the Shoah (the Holocaust), and the reality that the righteous do suffer needlessly. Jesus does not promise an easy perfect life for us. The Gospel message is centered on the most righteous person ever suffering and failing. Yet, he did come out on the other side as victorious. The boldness in faith and the tremendous hope found in the Psalm, to me displays yet another mystery that I don't yet understand. I do, however, unflinchingly put my faith and questions to Jesus Christ. Through his grace and mercy, we uncover mysteries that will eventually be revealed. I think that it not because of God holding out on us, but that our maturity and trust is not yet ready.

Dearest Lord Jesus,

We place our trust in you and we build up our lives in you. When it seems as though things are going wrong or out of control, help us to be reminded of your trustworthiness and your wonder-working power. Guide us to entrust all that we are and all that we could be into your care, providence, and mission. In your beautiful Name, we pray. Amen!

Perks, Loyalty Points, and...What are you drinking?

Psalm 138 New English Translation
I will give you thanks with all my heart;
before the heavenly assembly I will sing praises to you.
I will bow down toward your holy temple,
and give thanks to your name,
because of your loyal love and faithfulness,
for you have exalted your promise above the entire sky.
When I cried out for help, you answered me.
You made me bold and energized me.
Let all the kings of the earth give thanks to you, O Lord,
when they hear the words you speak.
Let them sing about the Lord’s deeds,
for the Lord’s splendor is magnificent.
Though the Lord is exalted, he looks after the lowly,
and from far away humbles the proud.
Even when I must walk in the midst of danger, you revive me.
You oppose my angry enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
The Lord avenges me.
O Lord, your loyal love endures.
Do not abandon those whom you have made.

Reflection

     I noticed this morning that my loyalty rewards have built up to the point where after this month's shipment, I will be able to get a whole jar of matcha for free! A matcha latte has been my regular morning drink for many months. (Matcha is a powder made from green tea leaves.) We settled on this small brand from a shop in Pittsburgh. I didn't choose it because I would earn "leaves," but it sure is a nice perk. Perhaps you have a favorite brand or shop that you enjoy the bonuses from loyalty points.

     Loyalty in this transactional and capitalist society typically is associated with what is earned or accrued over time while being a patron, member, or shopper. Yet, we always know that there are other options. Other businesses might have something we like better, or the rewards might be better.

     It is not too much of a surprise that there are "influencers" who show what they are into on social media and their followers check it out or feverishly try to replicate the recipe. The influencers earn a ton of money in kick backs. They cash in on accumulating a loyal base.

     I thought of all these things when reading the Psalm for today. God's loyal love is for us. Loyalty is very different to the Creator. God does not have a hard time focusing on us. Yes, it is different and beautiful when you combine loyalty and love. While we go from one thing to the next, God is abiding and steadfast. Notice also that God's loyal love is not something that we have accrued over time. No transactions here. It is all about relationship and caring for us. Even though many of us might have loyal friends, spouses or family members that stick with us through the best and worst of times, we still have a hard time fully getting why the One so powerful, rich, and influencing would care about us. It would be like our favorite media person looking into the camera and singling one of us out. We don't get it. The last verse of the Psalm portrays this to almost comic perfection. After all the verses of gratitude and praise, the tone takes a sudden twist like a shift of attention. The Psalmist has a moment of fearful uncertainty. What if I have perceived God's loyalty wrong? God could be too much like us. Even in the midst of loving a regular favorite drink, we see someone else's and ask them, "What are you drinking?" No, God will not abandon us. God is loyal with us even when we are not very lovingly loyal with God.

God teach us your constancy with those that are in our care and influence. Guide us to be dependably loving. Show us your Way of abiding this day and always! Amen.

The Mood Changes

Psalm 15    New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy hill?

Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right
and speak the truth from their heart;
who do not slander with their tongue
and do no evil to their friends
nor heap shame upon their neighbors;
in whose eyes the wicked are despised
but who honor those who fear the Lord;
who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
who do not lend money at interest
and do not take a bribe against the innocent.

Those who do these things shall never be moved.

Reflection

Yes, this holy song poem starts off like it is going to reflect upon the spiritual path towards deeper spiritual intimacy with God. Then, it seems like someone must have stolen the quill, because what follows are a list of practical everyday matters that seem more ethical than spiritual. The ending verses of the list are extraordinarily justice minded. So much that, the beginning question of who can ascend God's holy hill seems rhetorical. No one lends without interest as a regular practice (zero interest loans are real, but go beyond the prescribed terms and the interest jumps up faster than a cat headed for the top of the fridge). Banks wouldn't
exist without interest rates. The modern market economy wouldn't be cooled without the Fed raising interest in this period of inflation. This is largely driven by big players making money against the plight of the poor--bribes against the innocent is surely a part.

"So then, who can be saved?" I imagine the disciples ask Jesus when discussing this Psalm. What do you hear him answer to us? Do you loan to those that might need it without interest or penalty? This is, by the way, not just a solitary line in a song poem. You can't just refer to it as a music interlude in worship from a writer who got a little carried away trying to make the Hebrew rhyme nicely. No, this is a standard Bible money matter. Don't take advantage of those who are poor. Predatory lending is the target of prohibition.

Ethics and justice do relate to spiritual closeness with God. Such works of love and care for neighbor are a natural outgrowth. Lean in far enough to hear the heartbeat and you learn that it beats for you, for others, for the way of love and for all those who are poor, oppressed or pushed aside.   

Dear God,

We thank you for your great and Holy Word.

We praise you for your goodness and fairness.

We cherish your gift of love and your way of peace.

We long to know you more and to be a part of your generous presence in the world.

Amen.

Freedom

 Galatians 5:13

 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become enslaved to one another. 

Reflection

We hear a lot of things this weekend about freedom. As Christians, we consider freedom with great care and reverence. We recognize that freedom in all forms should be given to all persons without exception. The radical words of Jesus challenge us to soften our hearts and learn to love even our enemies.

Here is a thought to remember: Grace isn't free for the giver.

Lord, Grant us the continually increasing capacity to accept and bear your grace in your world. In your Name, we pray. Amen.

The Capacity to Sleep Through

Psalm 16  Contemporary English Version

Protect me, Lord God!
I run to you for safety,
and I have said,
“Only you are my Lord!
Every good thing I have
is a gift from you.”

Your people are wonderful,
and they make me happy,
but worshipers of other gods
will have much sorrow.
I refuse to offer sacrifices
of blood to those gods
or worship in their name.

You, Lord, are all I want!
You are my choice,
and you keep me safe.
You make my life pleasant,
and my future is bright.

I praise you, Lord,
for being my guide.
Even in the darkest night,
your teachings fill my mind.
I will always look to you,
as you stand beside me
and protect me from fear.
With all my heart,
I will celebrate,
and I can safely rest.

I am your chosen one.
You won't leave me in the grave
or let my body decay.
You have shown me
the path to life,
and you make me glad
by being near to me.
Sitting at your right side,
I will always be joyful.

Reflection

     I begin by sharing this story from an unknown author, called "Sleeping Through The Storm."

Years ago a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops.

As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farmhand?" the farmer asked him. "Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man. Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work.

Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!" The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows."

Enraged by the old man's response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, and he returned to bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

     I am not known in my family for having trouble falling asleep and there is certainly a block of hours in the middle of the night that I am not helpful. I have the capacity to sleep through a lot. I am generally a deep sleeper. I don't know that I am always as prepared as the farmhand, but I do go through the list of things that have to be done before bed. There is a deep spiritual and practical truth in the above story. Being prepared for what is coming certainly helps us to be more at ease so that we can endure. It is also, of course, a great comfort to know that God does not sleep through our storms. God is always with us. 

     This Psalm also made me think of the spiritual classic "The Dark Night of The Soul" by Saint John of the Cross. That poem points to the spiritual path through times when the divine seems hidden and out of contact. Psalm 16 gives a hopeful response of trust and faithful reliance.

     My experiences at 3am (when even I can't sleep), along with the tribulations of others have not ended by conviction that God is always with us. I have not come to the conclusion that the dark nights of my soul (or others) are truly a moment or time without God. To me, that have seemed more like when a child wakes up scared and crying that no one is there and they just need need to stop crying long enough to hear the parent or guardian calmly saying, "I am here. I have been here. There is nothing to be afraid of. Let me hold you and give you comfort."

Dear Lord Jesus,

Give us comfort and rest in your trustworthy embrace. Guide us to know in faith your presence. Help us to trust in your never-failing care and watchfulness. When we become scared, help us to hear your calming voice calling to us. When all seems lost, open our perception to the reality that we are found in you. In your Name, we pray. Amen.

"You Say What?"

Luke 9:18-27 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”

He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Then he said to them all, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit them if they gain the whole world but lose or forfeit themselves? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Indeed, truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

Reflection

     It is not hard to imagine hearing Jesus ask "Who do you say that I am?" It feels very real and raw. Does he know what I don't say? It is very easy to say little or nothing. It seems to be a spotlight moment and this made me think of Oprah Winfrey asking audience members of her talk show, "You say what?" She has a great way of getting people to talk, so that they say what they are really thinking. She asks leading questions that are just slightly off of the predicted path. "But, what about you--what do YOU think?"

     Jesus turns the attention towards them, how do they see Jesus and talk about him when he is not around. This is the greatest way to know about the integrity of devotion. I imagine Jesus' questioning to be like a spiritual lie detector. He has access to the recordings if he really wants to know, but he asks. Will you say what you say in the exact manner that you say it? Or, will you try to make yourself sound a little better. God is no fool. God does not have any use for half-truths.

     The Jimmy Kimmel show comically does a bit called "Lie Witness News" where they interview unsuspecting people on the street about an event that didn't actually happen, but when put on the spot they go along with it like it happened. They lie about their impressions of the event. It is silly and entertaining. They should know better. Followers of Christ Jesus are loving truth tellers. We talk about Jesus and The Way of Love as it actually is.

Great God,

Guide the words of our mouths to faithful to your goodness. Loose our tongues when we need to speak up on your behalf and for the poor or oppressed. Help us to be ready to talk about you.  Give us words when we are feeling bashful and let us never be ashamed of your Way, Truth, and Life. In your name, we pray. Amen.