Friday, March 1, 2019              

Today’s Scripture Reading | Psalm 99
The Lord is king; let the peoples tremble!
He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!

The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples.

Let them praise your great and awesome name. Holy is he!

Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity;
you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.

Extol the Lord our God; worship at his footstool. Holy is he!

Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel also was among those who called on his name.
They cried to the Lord, and he answered them.

He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud;
they kept his decrees, and the statutes that he gave them.

O Lord our God, you answered them;
you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings.

Extol the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain;
for the Lord our God is holy. (NRSV)

Reflection
The Lord is king; let the peoples tremble!

This psalm reminds us whose reign we follow—God’s. We’re reminded that this isn’t an ordinary reign. It’s not like the governments, monarchies, and dynasties with which we’re familiar. It’s not about flawed human beings ruling authoritatively. It’s not the familiar reigns where a few have power and so many of the common people suffer. No.

Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; you have executed justice . . .

God’s reign centers on justice and equity. God’s reign cares about the plight of every human being. Whereas we might not see this kind of justice and equity regularly, we see glimpses of it, and that brings us hope. Just knowing that we follow a God who yearns for and calls us towards a different way of ruling than what we witness every day is enough to make us hope and live for this way.

Praise God indeed because God’s way is one where the oppressed are free, where borders are irrelevant and welcoming the refugee is a given. Oh how I yearn for this world now. But as much as I want it to magically appear, I know that through the power of community and following the lead of those most impacted by the brokenness of our human-run kingdoms, God’s transformation is possible. This hope inspires me to educate myself on the change I can personally impact—both within myself and for the work externally. Where is God calling you to act?

Prayer
God, we long for your reign. Empower us to act with the vision of your justice and equity. Shape us to be courageous in the face of reigns that conflict with yours. Embolden us to follow you, hope in you, and trust in you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Written by Abbi Heimach-Snipes, Pastoral Resident

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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