PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 70
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God.” (Psalm 70:5)
We all read the bible through the lens of our own experience.
The poor, needy, oppressed and marginalized will be drawn to this psalm.
They will want the same for those who are making their lives miserable.
But how will the oppressors read this psalm?
For those with privilege or advantage, they may acknowledge it.
But they will likely find a way to explain why it doesn’t apply to them.
They will seek a spiritual meaning, since it doesn’t really apply to them.
I heard Dr Esau McCaulley talk about his book “Reading the Bible While Black”.
He shared his frustration at a “white” seminary, and how they read the bible.
How little they focused on justice, a big theme in his southern black church.
He doesn’t say the black way is the only right way, but wonders why it is rarely heard.
Are we too quick to dismiss the reading of others because it doesn’t jive with ours?
What makes me think that my own white, european, male, _______ perspective is right?
One thing for sure, “God does not ignore the cries of the afflicted.” (Psalm 9:12)
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for only reading the bible through my own eyes. Help me to feel the pain of those who are disadvantaged and to admit the pain I cause them. Grant me the grace to be humble enough to admit it, and gracious enough to listen, learn and love.
Urgently – I need help in times of stress. The Psalmist asks – come quickly. Sometimes the Lord’s timing seems slow – yet when I look back – the Lord protected me while I was waiting for his response. My sense is urgency – His is patience/trust in me. So I need not panic in the present or future – if I look back and remember. Still Lord Jesus, come quickly – spare especially those who suffer greatly because they follow you in the face of injustice, persecution and oppression! Come quickly according to your time!
My help is in the name of the Lord. Happiness is found . . . only in Him. Seek Him. Son seekers we all need to be. Today is the Lord’s Day as it is every day. Rejoice and be glad and live in His presence because our world belongs to God. He is my daily strength as I continue to live in His presence.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word
What a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will, he abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.