When I published a book of prayers way back in 2013, I attended a writers’ conference and learned that having a website is considered important for authors. I still don’t really think of myself as an author, but yet there is a book published with my name on it. So, thanks to our daughter’s expertise, and to my amazement, I have had a website! It has sadly been neglected in recent times for various reasons, the most recent being a yearlong task of writing my personal history through the Storyworth site—great resource, by the way.
With that project complete, I am returning to my love of writing in response to scripture. Today, my attention was called to Psalm 82, and I invite you to explore my reflections and join in my prayer of response.
Hear the word of God in the Heavenly Council:
God has taken His place in the divine council;
in the midst of the gods, he holds judgment.
How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?
Give justice to the weak and the orphan.
Maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
Deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
(Psalm 82:1-4, NRSV)
This injunction from God is followed by God’s assessment of the social setting of those times: “They have neither knowledge nor understanding; they walk around in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken” (Psalm 82:5).
This Psalm is a type of colloquy—a conversation with God and with the readers. The Psalmist reports what he has understood as if he had been in the throne room of Heaven and witnessed God in His omnipotent authority surrounded by lesser ‘gods’—but beings worthy to hold court with God. Astonishingly, that status is broadened to include mankind in the next words of God: “I say, you are gods, children of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, you shall die like mortals and fall like any prince” (Psalm 82:6-7).
The Psalmist, in response to this amazing scene, prays: “Rise up, O God, judge the earth; for all the nations belong to You!” (Psalm 82:8).
I am hearing this in light of the trying times in our nation and world, marked by confusion and polarization, anger and suspicion, violence and abuse—none of which can stand before God’s judgment. No matter what our political viewpoints, it is God’s view that ultimately matters; and this Psalm provides a barometer for where we are expected to stand in God’s eyes.
May I suggest assessing our politics and theology honestly in light of verses 2-4? Are we judging fairly or unjustly? Are we standing with those who do? Is partiality being shown to the wicked (those opposed to God’s authority and the rights of others)? Are we supporting those who are giving preferred justice to the weak and the orphan, the lowly and the destitute, to deliver them out of the hands of the wicked?
Prayer of response:
O Lord, God our Father,
Omnipotent and Omniscient
God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
Divine Father of Jesus our Savior
Giver of the Holy Spirit
Who calls and invites us into your council,
Help us to live worthy of our holy privilege.
Help your people to hear the cries of the suffering ones
and support ways to help them.
Help us lay aside our political and social prejudices
in order to care for the weak and destitute, the orphans and widows,
the frightened and mistreated, the sick and dying.
Open our eyes, Lord, to see as You see
and to love as You love.
Amen.
Top painting: ”The Trinity” by Andrei Rublev. It depicts the three angels hosted by Abraham at the Oak of Mamre, but also represents the Holy Trinity.
Scripture quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition.
Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
