The Heart's Cry: Psalm 79

Psalm 79

Jerusalem has been attacked, the people are in trouble, and it has come as a shock, once again. There is always a segment of people who are in shock when the judgment comes, because they never listened to the ample warnings. Peppered throughout the First Testament are books of the Prophets, warning the people of Israel that if they did not turn from their ways that they would be left to their own devices, and when they did not turn they were. Part of the problem with them, and with us today, is the end of this Psalm where the author says that if God will simply turn back to them and protect them they will praise God forever. Therein lies the rub, God doesn't want simply our praise, God wants us to take care of those who need our help, the widow, the orphan, the sojourner, the poor, the hurting, those without peace and hope and love.

I am no prophet, believe me I am not qualified for such a position, but there is a part of me that wonders if we as a people will also be left to our own devices soon if we do not begin to follow the commands of God. Commands like walk humbly, do justly, and love mercy. Commands like do good to those who persecute you. Commands like love your neighbor and your enemy. Commands that come in the form of stories like accepting the prodigal and taking care of the one attacked, even if they are not of your country or religion. In the end it is our ability to follow these commands, and many more like them, that will define our relationship with God, because anyone can sing a song or say a prayer, but we are called to carry crosses.

+ How can you begin to show more love and acceptance, especially to those that your society or church shuns?