Psalm Meditation 832
Proper 4
May 29, 2016

Psalm 2
1 Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the LORD has them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, with trembling
12 kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him.
(NRSV)

I suppose we would not hear of a nation whose collective consciousness said, ‘We are a small, frail nation with no hope of ever being anything but small and frail, we better sit quietly and hope no one notices us.’ We are more likely to believe, ‘We are the best on earth, a force to be reckoned with so don’t turn your back on us unless you are willing to face the consequences.’ According to at least one biblical scholar, the nation of Israel was small and inconsequential as far as military/political powers go. At the same time they were in a great position, geographically and strategically, to defend themselves against most of their foes most of the time.

At the same time, they were a people of great faith who trusted that the God of Abraham and Sarah was watching out for them. If they were defeated it was the fault of the people and not of God. YHWH would keep them safe from all enemies and adversaries as long as they toed the line of covenant faithfulness. Once a rule was broken God turned away from the people and left them to suffer for a time as punishment for their sin of covenant breaking.

As our concept of leadership moved from that of absolute leader with absolute power to a broader distribution of power and influence we saw God in a new light as well. While there are those who see God as an absolute ruler waiting for us to make mistakes so that we can be punished, there are others who see God as one who loves us no matter what. God continues to be saddened, disappointed and angry with us over our actions, however the overarching trait of God is to love us. In this view God is more likely to entice us into faithfulness than to punish our lapses. God claims us each as a child who is loved and cared for as a unique and precious individual.

May 23, 2016
LCM