11-20-19

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS

November 20, 2019

Scripture: Psalm 7:17

But I will thank the LORD for his righteousness; I will sing praises to the name of the LORD Most High.

Thought for the Day: Take note – the name of God is in all caps: LORD. Most translations, when translating the Hebrew name of God, Yahweh, do so with the designation: LORD. Righteousness is the characteristic associated with the LORD, yet so often people interpret the word righteousness as some form of self righteous arrogance that belittles and disparages people, usually based on some perceived immoral behavior. This is a misguided understanding of righteousness, a word in the original Hebrew language that was very similar to justice. To simplify, righteousness could be understood as the rightness of God or the right ways of God. And since it is attached to LORD, the name of God associated with the exodus from slavery in Egypt, then we can assume that righteousness has a lot to do with liberating individuals from people and systems that are destructive, hurtful and confining. To thank this LORD is to express gratitude no matter which side of the situation you might find yourself. Some will say, “Thank you, LORD, for liberating me from that which enslaved me.” Others will say, “Thank you, LORD, for setting me right when it comes to exploitation of other human beings.” It is the second that is a bit more difficult to express, yet in today’s world where we knowingly and unknowingly participate in and benefit from the exploitation of human beings, we should be seeking God’s assistance in our own liberation from all kinds of exploitation. Remember, God’s judgment on people and systems of exploitation is never very kind.

Prayer: Wherever I find myself, wherever I exist in the structures and systems of this world, O LORD of Liberation, guide me to the side where I not only express my gratitude but reflect your righteousness. Amen.

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