Eastertide

May 19, 2021

Scripture Reading: Psalm 29

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
   ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
   worship the Lord in holy splendor.

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
   the Lord sits enthroned as king for ever.

May the Lord give strength to his people!
   May the Lord bless his people with peace! —Psalm 29:1-2.10-11

I have heard children of very prominent people say that he was just Dad or she was just Mom, and that was great to them, but they for a long time did not realize who Dad or Mom was to the world or the impact either of them had. I think it is good to have that deep relationship with God. I will always consider Jesus as my friend who was with me starting in childhood. Thus, it may be hard for some of us to realize the fuller nature of God.

The word strength is mentioned in this Psalm related to God and as the Lord gives it to God’s people. God always seems to think of us as what? Family? Community? No, but in the totality of people. We quickly get the idea of family and soon develop an understanding of community. Why is it so hard for us to welcome the breadth of God’s people? Including all humans, all made in God’s image.

We humans seem to need to define who God’s people are. Some limit God to their specific faith system. Others delegate human connection to God by the color of their skin or nationality or political view, or any other attributes that set them apart as uniquely God’s people. God seems to recognize all people as God’s people, even those who do not return the relationship. God indeed wants to have a connection with all, but God wants us each to make that decision by choice. That is the essence of love, enjoying the absolute best for someone with no strings attached and rejoicing if they respond. Claiming to love God is the easy part. God expects us to love one another no matter what. Our loving one another is our best way to show God we love God. We should not let that scare us. God gives the strength to do just that.

Prayer: Glory to God in the highest who blesses us with peace.  Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.