Psalm Meditation 790
Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
August 9, 2015

Psalm 19
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
(NRSV)

We have a tendency to push back against rules, regulations and guidelines. It is as if rules exist for the sole purpose of keeping us from doing what we want to do. When someone we don’t like breaks the rules we are quick to pounce on them and call them to account for their actions. (Tom Brady, as an example.) When someone we do like breaks the rules we are quick to celebrate the rebellious spirit still alive and kicking in our day and time. We notice the rules most as we bump up against them; when our desires are at odds with them.

The law, decrees, precepts and commandment of God teach us how to relate to God and to each other as people of God. Rules are the backbone of a relationship. They give it structure. They guide us in how we are going to get along when all is well and when all is not well. Even in a workplace in which the two rules are: 1. The boss is always right. 2. If the boss is wrong see rule 1, we know where we stand in relation to the boss, like it or not. The psalmist knows that the rules God sets for us are to make this relationship possible and understandable. God’s rules tend to be boundary type rules, here is the line we are not to overstep because of the damage it can do to a relationship with God or someone else.

A colleague of mine said, “Rules were made to be guidelines.” They set some boundaries and leave others hazy so we can work together for the best way forward. As we live into the rules we discover that some that seem hard and fast have some wiggle room in them, while some that seem porous are reasonable solid. Following the rules to the exclusion of relationships gives one a goody two shoes reputation. Following the rules for the sake of relationships is, “more to be desired ... than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.”

August 3, 2015
LCM