November 28, 2011

Texts: Psalm 79, Micah 4:1-5, Revelation 15:1-8

Today, the people call for an end to their turmoil, an end to their war (in these writings, the external war may well be thought of as a manifestation of the internal turmoil). In the Psalm, further, the people call upon the LORD, offering a reminder that they are God's people and of God's faithfulness. This is a bold move, considering less than a week ago the texts spoke of people being as dust blown by the wind.

"Then we your people, the flock of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise," (Psalm 79:13).

^{What does it look like when God comes through? What does it look like when God hears the cries of God's people? I think Micah gives us a pretty good idea:}

³ He shall judge between many peoples,

and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away;

they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more;
⁴ but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees,
and no one shall make them afraid;
for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.

⁵ For all the peoples walk,
each in the name of its god,
but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God
for ever and ever.

A week ago, we read of the people of Israel planting vines but not being able to enjoy their fruit, of laboring but not receiving any reward for that labor. Here, the promise is restored: They shall live as God's people in their own land. Was it the promise of land that was the restoration, however? Is it simply a promise that Israel would exist? Does that promise justify the behaviors of the residents of Israel to build a 20 foot high wall, separating them from the Palestinians who have resided in the region since the time the land was promised to Israel? The mention of land comes after the indication they "shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more," (Micah 4:3). So, then, it seems like these people are first defined by peace and then defined by the land which they are given.

So often, we define ourselves by what we are able to do: our might, our ability, our resources... and see them as indications of our favor. I think we might have it backward. If we are defined by God and God's peace, it changes how we ascribe that which we have. Rather than something we have received from God because we deserve it, we have received all that we have (and more!) because of God's graciousness and provision.

We are not able to make wars to cease; we are only - it seems - able to fight force with force. We are not able to end hunger; we are only able to take what we need and try to pass on that which we don't. We are not able to save ourselves; we are only able to cling to Christ, who has given us the final answer to our violence - it is salvation.