Justice & Praise

From Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon:

Dear DJAN Friends,

The Psalms, as readers of them are well aware, contain the whole range of human emotions, from anger to reverence. The following excerpts from two psalms exemplify the emotional breadth of these ancient hymns/poems–and express how many of us feel in our own era.

Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?

Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

In arrogance the wicked persecute the poor–

let them be caught in the schemes they have devised.

For the wicked boast of the desires of their heart,

those greedy for gain curse and renounce the Lord.

In the pride of their countenance the wicked say,

"God will not seek it out";

all their thoughts are, "There is no God."

Their mouths are filled with cursing and deceit and oppression (Psalm 10:1-4, 7).

May God be gracious to us and bless us

and make his face to shine upon us . . .

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,

for you judge the peoples with equity

and guide the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;

let all the peoples praise you.

The earth has yielded its increase;

God, our God has blessed us.

May God continue to bless us;

let all the ends of the earth revere him

(Psalm 67:1, 4-7).

Psalm 10 is, quite simply, a cry for justice in a world that so often feels unjust. The arrogant persecutors of the poor, says the Psalmist, assume from the way things are that they will not be held accountable for their deeds. They act as if there is no God. Psalm 67, by contrast, is a song of praise to the One who judges the peoples with fairness and guides the nations in a world of abundance. It is a prayer that the God of justice will continue to bless us as we have previously been blessed. Cry for justice. Song of praise. Isn't it part of our spiritual challenge to hold these simultaneously in our hearts and minds?

May God grant us understanding and commitment.