Tuesday 27 February 2024

Psalm 95

Background

Since 1998 a country house estate near to where we now live has held a three-day festival over one of the Bank Holiday weekends. It goes to considerable effort to create an atmosphere resembling the 1950s and 1960s. Originally it focused on motorsports with events and exhibitions featuring vintage cars, motorbikes etc. But year by year it expands its repertoire. People who attend – many apparently with little interest in transport – come from a considerable distance. They dress in period clothes and are highly imaginative and creative with regard to what they wear.

Do you know of any events like that? Have there been occasions when you have had to wear particular or elaborate clothes to an event such as a wedding (v. 10)? How did you feel about dressing that way? What sort of experience was it – were you able to rejoice, relax and enjoy it?

Today’s passage begins by praising God as a God of justice – who loathes robbery and wrongdoing – who will form God's people in that virtue. It then speaks of our being clothed in salvation and righteousness – a rescued and a God centred life. Does this mean something more than occasionally dressing up for a religious festival?

The American preacher and theologian Frederick Buechner helps us with an illustration about playing the piano. A young student plays a piece he has learnt perfectly. His  hands are held exactly as he's been taught and all the proper notes played. But both the pianist and everyone listening is bored. It is a kind of music but no feet are tapping. Righteousness is playing it right – in the creative Spirit – not just by the book.

Isaiah concludes by widening the creative context as he talks about the capacity of the earth and a garden to sustain new growth (v. 11). How might the image of the earth as God’s garden challenge us to be creative  about how we relate to both people and the planet?

To Ponder:

• How would you speak of God clothing your life? What garment(s) would you welcome?
• What does a righteous life mean in relation to our use and care of the creation?

Prayer

Father God, by the power of your creative Spirit fashion for us, we pray, a garment of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience, forbearance and forgiveness. Above all, clothe us with love, which will bind us together in perfect harmony. In the name of Jesus. Amen.