Wednesday 07 December 2022

Psalm 145

Background

Isaiah reminds a nervous nation that its strength is in God. In his mind’s eye, he sees a strongly fortified city, perhaps like the city of Jerusalem with which he is so familiar, surrounded by high stone walls with entrance gates at intervals round the perimeter. Almost impregnable, Jerusalem stood on a hill high above the Judean landscape. Yet Isaiah goes on to indicate that even such cities can fall – it is in God that the people must put their ultimate trust, the God whose care is for the vulnerable. (v. 6)

Today governments and their leaders come and go; kingdoms rise and fall; a virus brings the world almost to a halt; car ownership, global travel, and other things that signify 'prosperity' have brought unforeseen consequences in terms of climate change – and continue to wreak untold misery on the most vulnerable. On what, then, may we depend?

Isaiah links the peaceable kingdom with righteousness and justice – these are what's needed for stable government. He suggests that it is the feet of the poor and the needy which will trample over the fallen structures of a society that does not acknowledge God. Furthermore, as some of the Advent readings will say, the way of the righteous is level and smooth. Now, it may not always seem quite like that to those of us who strive to be responsible citizens, but it is in God that we trust.

To Ponder:

• What, or who gives you strength personally? Are you able to say why this is?
• Reflect for while on what offers stability to the society in which you live – both nationally and more locally. How would you challenge those politicians who come looking for your vote?

Prayer
 Loving God, give me the grace to remember that the poor and needy may need me to speak up, and grant me the strength to do so. Amen.