Daily Devotions

Moving on from yesterday, we now consider how Justice and Mercy is found within God given task of defending the fatherless and oppressed.

In Psalm 10:17-18 we read,

“You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.”

This psalm of praise assures the worshiper that God pays attention to the cries of the oppressed-even when it may not seem that way. The psalmist then says that God protects the oppressed from the terror of mortals who might otherwise ignore or exploit them.

The term “oppress” means “ to keep someone in subservience and hardship, especially by the unjust exercise of authority.” (Oxford English Dictionary) It sounds like a serious assault.

However, keeping someone in hardship can be done in subtle ways. Other translations of the verse translate the word “oppress” as to “exploit” (CEB), “take advantage” (ERV), or “mistreat” (CEV).

Each of us is responsible to search our own hearts and, with the wisdom and information available to us, make sure that we are not oppressing the poor. The more obvious signs of oppression are harsh actions such as cheating people, denying them services, or speaking rudely to them. But there are less direct ways that may also be harmful and often this is because of our own warped self-view.

The story is told of a politician who, after receiving the proofs of a portrait, was very angry with the photographer. He stormed back to the photographer and arrived with these angry words, ‘This picture does not do me justice!’ The photographer replied, ‘Sir, with a face like yours, you don’t need justice, you need mercy!’

If we are the focus of God’s mercy, should we not also reflect God’s merciful justice?

God of goodness and mercy,

of gentleness and kindness,

of righteousness and faithfulness:

be the light of our salvation

and sustain our souls.

We offer the daily tasks

that consume us to you,

for we accomplish nothing

without your grace.

We submit to your will,

that we should love you

with our everything

and love our neighbours, 

and even our enemies,

as ourselves.

Renew us and transform us

by your steadfast love

into the people of God. Amen