We turn to (Psalm 82:3-4) “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
This Psalm gives us a picture of God passing judgment on a nations’ gods. He starts by chastising them for defending the unjust and showing partiality to the wicked (vs. 2). Then He shows them what sets Him apart:
- He defends the weak and fatherless.
- He upholds the poor and oppressed.
- He rescues the weak and needy.
Obviously, the “gods” of the nations are being judged because of their followers’ behaviour, just like God displays His care for the needy through His people’s obedience.
In his book ‘I Surrender’, Patrick Morley writes that the church's integrity problem is in the misconception "that we can add Christ to our lives, but not subtract sin. It is a change in belief without a change in behaviour." He goes on to say, "It is revival without reformation, without repentance."
True defence of the weak is surely marked by a behaviour that reflects and exhibits the justice one mercy of God. Surely it’s all about our integrity in exercising justice and mercy of God.
It is said that as the great Michelangelo painted the magnificent frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine chapel--lying on his back for endless hours to finish every detail with great care--a friend asked him why he took such pains with figures that would be viewed from a considerable distance. "After all," the friend said, "Who will notice whether it is perfect or not?" "I will," replied the artist.
Holy Lord,
make our eyes and our hearts more open to the needs of others,
especially the hungry, the hurting, and the poor.
Help us to see that in caring for the Earth,
we are also caring for one another.
And help us, O Lord, to live in ways that promote respect,
compassion, justice, and peace for all people,
and for all of your broken and yet beautiful creation.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer. Amen
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