"God’s saving justice is never served by human anger," points out James in his letter to Christians struggling against the power structures that threatened to consume the Christian community. The readings of the next few weeks reveal the struggle between the forces of sins in the human heart, the principalities and powers, the saving grace of God, and the vision of a restored and renewed creation.
We shall have to face choices: whether to place our trust in the political, economic, social, and eccleisal structures that offer us the promise of security now, or to opt for the One who has the words of eternal life. We too will need to face our sin, our complicity, our own betrayal of the One who "came to bring the good news of peace" (Ephesians 2:17). The only justice worth securing is that of God’s saving justice. May God’s strength be made perfect in our weakness.
July 6
Security in Weakness
Psalm 48; 2 Samuel 5:1-5; 9-10; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13
What gives us security? This is the challenge of our readings today. Samuel points us to a king who, like all other kings, looks for political and military security, exemplified here by the building of a fortress (2 Samuel 5:9-10). The psalmist draws attention to the security of the city, inviting people to reflect on its strength. However, the psalm is not an adoring song of praise to the city, but rather to God, who in time of danger has provided the only true security when enemies have threatened.
Those with the eyes of spiritual discernment are bidden to reflect on God’s faithful love, because "your right hand is full of saving justice" (Psalm 48:10-11). God does not politick like kings and presidents; God is above all the might of citadels and armies, and alone ensures future generations as "our God forever and ever" (Psalm 48:14).
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