THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 113
“He raises the poor from the dust.” (Psalm 113:7)
Where do the world’s underdogs turn to for hope?
Political and religious power are usually in the hands of the few.
They use their powers for themselves, neglecting or abusing those below.
This is natural – darwinian – the way things are if you do not believe in God.
The Jews were underdogs, and they trusted in the God of the underdogs.
Not that their God was weak – enthroned on high, exalted over the nations.
But THIS ‘top dog’ (no disrespect) chooses not to use His power FOR Himself.
Notice how this psalm describes the way God uses His exalted position.
Raises the poor, lifts the needy, helps the childless woman.
Any idea of God as distant, uncaring, overbearing, or stern is inaccurate.
The God that surrounds and sustains all reality is a God of mercy and love.
Some may prefer their darwinian worldview (if they’re not on the bottom).
But I prefer the God-of-the-underdog worldview.
I stand with all underdogs, hoping in the underdog Jesus, Who is now the ‘top dog’!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, Your heart goes out to all those who are at the bottom, to lift them up. Help me to see this for myself. Help me also to see this for others, and to stand with them!
PTL.
When?
All the time.
I need to praise the Lord as I serve Him.
Always.
The Lord is also gracious. He turns the world upside down with His love for His people making a place for those down and out. His values are not the world’s values. Love in action and I must do the same.
As the Lord has blessed His people, His people need to be a blessing to others.
The Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is dispair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.