Friday 30 October, 2020

Of David. A psalm. 1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. 3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. 5 They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. 7 Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory.

“The earth is the Lords and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.” I am reminded as I read this passage that our creator God lovingly made this world and cares deeply for it and for all of us who inhabit it. As I reflect on the depth of this truth I am confronted both by God’s glory and goodness, and of my short comings. I am challenged to see what I could change of my lifestyle and practises, to better reflect my creator’s likeness, in showing gracious care to the environment and to my neighbours both near and far. I am particularly moved by the Spirit to consider those hardest hit by the current pandemic, the poorest of the poor. What might I do to care for them today – Pray/Give/Advocate/Partition?

This passage continues to pack a punch as I consider verse 3 and 4. Who can stand before God? “One who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.”  What are the idols/false gods in my life? Do I idolise my time and my pleasure, over serving God and others? Have I made a false god of my money and have I rationalised my use of it for my own selfish pleasures/gains? I know that I am not justified by my works but by grace alone and that it is through Jesus Christ that I have been washed clean and now I have new life. A life that was bought with an immense price, a sacrifice of unequal worth. I want to live sold out to my Saviour and King honouring him with all that I do and say. I want to walk in God’s blessing and know the Lord of Glory who is strong and mighty (verse 8). What strength of God is displayed in Jesus and his death! Such glorious humility and grace.

Jesus thankyou that you have made me clean and given me new life, may I live each day, reflecting you in humility, grace and service towards this world and all who inhabit it. Amen

Written by Ps. Zoe Stewart