Today’s Scripture is Psalm 82 & 1 Peter2:13-17
Good morning, Beloved!
In this psalm, “God takes his place in the divine council” (82:1). I had to wonder just who He is addressing here. Jesus, in John 10:34, refers to this psalm to explain how strange it is for the Jews of His day to find it incredible that he could claim not to be one of the “gods” but to be the Lord God himself. Here, in John chapter 10, Jesus says that He "called them gods to whom the word of God came.” Therefore, it is believed that these “gods” are religious leaders, rulers, and divinely appointed officials.
God is calling them to justice: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?” (82:2) I immediately thought of this passage in James as I read verse 2,
"For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?" (James 2:2-6)
If we're honest, most, if not all of us, have shown some sort of favoritism over time. I think of our country's passion with actors and musical artists who entertain us, yet our military, police and firefighters, who work to protect us never have to worry about the paparazzi, though we know God word tells us, He never shows favoritism and is now calling us out.
I'm thankful God doesn't show favoritism and is always looking out for the "little guy", aren't you? In fact, I tried researching all the verses in the Bible that refer to taking care of the poor, widows, orphans and refugees and I easily found over one hundred. Here's just a few examples,
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:27)
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:14-17)
But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? (1 John 3:17)
It is imperative that we as well as our religious leaders use the "talents" we've been given to care for our brothers and not show special favors for ourselves or others. We should defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy and deliver them from the hand of the wicked. (82:3-4)
It is easy for those in leadership situations to think of the interests of the powerful, for if they were to become upset, they could damage the organization as a whole. But the role of a servant leader should be to look after the interests of all and speak up for those who have no voice.
Jesus modeled this so perfectly for us throughout the gospels. It's clear this is huge in our Father's heart and I know He will help us to love all and help those in need.
Pause & Reflect:
Can you think of a time when someone favored another over you, or a loved one for the wrong reasons?
Would you ask God to show you today what He wants you to do to help?
Ask Him to show you any area where you have shown, or are showing favoritism?
Let's Pray:
O Father, I am so thankful You clearly don't show favoritism, for You love all and look on the hearts of men and not their outward appearances. We long to be more like You in this area. Please give us a heart that loves deeply and compassionately. Please reveal to us any areas where we have failed in this area. Help us to forgive and build up our brothers, for this is Your will for Your people. Amen
Blessings,
Sue