Eastertide
May 9, 2018
Scripture Reading: Psalm 1
Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgement,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
The Wicked Witch of the West comes to mind when reading the word wicked, not of God. The word wicked means evil in character, behavior, tendency, or influence: being or acting contrary to moral or divine law*. We are, of course, all capable of being wicked. Our scripture today tells us that happiness is the fruit of choosing not to follow wicked ways.
The problem arises when what is wicked presents the facade of being good. As we approached this election season all the candidates will be telling of their plans for doing good and their plans will differ one from another. In some instance, the differences will be in style rather than substance. For example, some see the best way to improve the economy is to support businesses and that will trickle down better lives for all. Others prefer to increase salaries which when expended will grow the economy. Wickedness asserts itself when greed or lust for power turns any form of governance into self-service for a few at the expense of the many.
Jesus advises us in Matthew 7:15 to ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Good advice to keep in the back of our minds as we listen to politicians’ plans and ideas.
Prayer: Lord, make us wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16) Amen.
*http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/wicked