Thursday 22 February 2018

Psalm: Psalm 138

Background

Many of the issues of justice that concern us today are what we might describe as global. Perhaps the most obvious of these would be around environmental sustainability and climate change. We simply cannot escape the fact that carbon emissions or irresponsible disposal of waste on the part of one nation will have repercussions for the whole planet. Not only that, but we are increasingly recognising that the impact and cost of environmental damage are often felt most by the poorest and most disadvantaged in our world community.

But this is by no means the only example; many of the economic measures and trade arrangements that serve the purposes of western nations do so at the expense of the poorer people of the world. Justice is at the very heart of God’s nature, and justice is a global issue.

As the prophet Isaiah continued to outline the vision that God had given him of a positive future for God’s exiled people, he described them as a nation with global impact. As we read of nations like Midian, Sheba and Kedar gladly bringing flocks, herds and riches, we might well wonder what would inspire and motivate them to want to do this.

The answer emerges at the beginning of the chapter. They have seen the light of God’s presence amidst the darkness of a hurting world, and offer themselves and their resources to be part of God’s new beginning. We might also notice that the words of Psalm 138 describe the kings of the earth praising God and seeking God’s ways (Psalm 138:4-5). How might our world be different if world leaders today were similarly drawn to seek the ways of God’s kingdom? What is our role as God’s people to encourage our leaders to be advocates of justice on the world stage?

To Ponder

• What can you do to encourage leaders to be advocates of justice?
• Take time today to pray for those in leadership on the world stage – whether that that be political, social, economic leaders.