Tuesday 09 August 2022

Psalm 25:11-22

Background

 There are times when it becomes clear that the Prophets, false prophets that is, seem to have much in common with today’s politicians. They are full, and, self-satisfied they cry ‘peace’. Meanwhile the people go hungry, lack shelter and are bereft of hope.

Into this gulf, true prophets, echoing Micah, are clear-sighted and offer judgement. The proud are unheeding of their words, lost in self-interest and satisfaction. The world, and that of their people, crumbles round them, goes to hell in a hand-cart, and they care not one jot.

We are told the rulers "abhor justice and pervert all equity". (v. 9) And the judgment of their peers comes too late, or is ignored.

Who then today is "filled with power, with the spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might"? Dare I answer? I think it's often the secular prophets of our age. And who are they? Those anonymous or unannounced, famous like David Attenborough, royal like Prince Charles, wealthy like Bill Gates, or simply poor yet clear-sighted, looking up from the gutter and marvelling at the stars.

Greta Thunberg, a child among us, becoming a young woman, has travelled the world telling us all of the threat of climate change. We could not help but hear, but will we listen? And how do we respond? What individual actions can we take? We can’t shift the responsibility onto others. Politicians may act on our behalf, but that never absolves us of the responsibility to do what is right.

Of course, some will say, as they did in Micah’s day, "the Lord is among us" as if God will sort everything out. It’s like those who wait incessantly for the Second Coming, leaving everything to God. If Pentecost meant anything it was God handing responsibility to us – we are co-stewards, co-creators. So how do WE respond?

To Ponder:

•  In what ways is God among us?
• How are we co-creators with God, or stewards of creation?