Saturday 28 September 2019

Psalm: Psalm 65:1-12

Background

I don’t know much about dogs – I’ve never owned one – but even I can see that grabbing one by the ears as it walks past you is probably a bad idea. Once you’ve got hold of the ears, you are somewhat stuck, and it’s going to be difficult to get out of the situation without being bitten.

The warning to us in today’s reading then is quite clear – meddling in someone else’s argument is likely to be painful and we may wish we hadn’t done it. But does this mean we should always mind our own business, keep our eyes fixed ahead, and generally just keep out of things?

What about when you hear regular arguments going on in the house next door? Calling the police or knocking to check everything is OK would surely be meddling, wouldn’t it? Or when two countries are at war? That’s their business, right? Or when a falling out has taken place in our churches? Just pretending it hasn’t happened would be for the best, wouldn’t it? Or are there times when it’s right for us to get involved in what could be classed as ‘other people’s business’?

The answer lies, perhaps, in the word ‘meddling’. The Hebrew verb used here literally means ‘become excited’. I wonder, do we ever get involved in things because it excites us to be a part of it? To be part of the drama? To feel good about ourselves because of our involvement? Or do we genuinely get involved to be the peace-makers that Jesus calls us to be?

To Ponder:

• Where do you feel is the line between meddling and stepping in to bring peace?
•  What do you see as your role when conflict happens around you?