the ramblings of a perambulent and often distracted sojourner
When the foolish turn to God’s ways they discover an economy of abundance for the sake of Shalom, fulfilment for all (not the pale aberration of today’s prosperity doctrines).
Gladness enters in
And blessing is well restored
When God is welcomed.
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The good oil is poured
Blessing that never runs out
Feeds widow and kin.
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Five loaves and two fish
Gathered and shared with blessing
Can feed multitudes.
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No wonder the Psalmist mocks the fools who say there is no God. God’s economy requires Jubilee balance which does not make unbridled profit a priority. It is measured not by hierarchy, but by mutual service epitomised in Revelation’s heavenly vision.
When all’s said and done
It’s easier to deny God
than to go His way.
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When Jubilee calls
I yield up my hard-won rights
And we are each free.
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In perfected bliss
There is neither low nor high
We serve each other
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The Psalm is almost, but not quite imprecatory, perhaps because it is a choir piece intended for worship and it’s hard to curse and worship simultaneously! Leviticus lays out the ground rules for some festivals. Revelation affords us a peek into heaven.
Divine head must shake
As foolish men run hither
Whisp’ring their nonsense
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Commemorate well
Your seasons of fast and feast.
Recall our stories.
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A vision splendid
Pulls trials into focus
And all shall be well.
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Against all our striving, it is possible to live from a place of renewal. This theme runs through all of today’s texts, culminating in the Bible’s favourite story – the restoration of the Prodigal Son.
Gilgal they called it
Captive shame is rolled away
A new phase begins!
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Today’s weight lifting,
Despair of soul grows lighter.
Joy is possible
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A new creation
The old is gone, the new come
Clear, fragrant and light
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When the Father ran
To welcome a wayward child
did he disgrace Self?
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Recovery from lostness through remorse, distraction or dumb chance runs through today’s texts. There is always a finder!
Lost in my remorse
I know where I might be found
I turn to my God
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My precious gold calf
Distracts from holy calling
Yet his love persists
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Dumb passive lostness
Evokes much loving action
And finding is joy
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The drive for reconciliation appears in both today’s Psalm and Paul’s appeal to the Christians in Corinth. Joshua points to the cairns of the Jordan crossing as occasions for retelling the story to coming generations.
I come to myself
When I cease to hide my ways
And am known by You.
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Pile of river stones
Tells a tale of a crossing
By which we are known
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Love of Christ urges us
Towards reconciling all
May His way compel
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The joy of a restored and previously strained relationship is the Psalm that sets the tone for today. A solemn rite underlines Israel’s taking possession of a sacred promise while the Apostle Paul speaks of the “weight of glory” that awaits the faithful.
I declare myself
To come clean is to be cleansed
Restored to my God
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Like the old Red Sea
The Jordan parts and we cross
We build cairns of stone
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Groaning is our way
Anticipating glory
The Spirit will lead
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Today’s texts reflect on hidden purposes. The Psalmist yields to divine purpose. What seems, to contemporary sensitivities, preparation for a divinely sanctioned land grab has long-range hidden purpose. Jesus’ parables speak of the hiddenness of the Kingdom of God.
Your knowledge of me
Is hidden even from me
How can I not trust?
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Your Godly gift to us
Fecund lands to occupy
Is there reason why?
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Hidden deep inside
Your purpose takes root and grows
Revealing love’s way
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The Hebrew perspective on “law” refers to “right teaching” rather than modern jurisprudence. Understanding this gives greater access to today’s readings
Psalm 39
My tongue is silent
Until it knows worthy thoughts
Then my heart speaks
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Eagles and vineyards
Perplexing riddles confound
The heart understands
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Be careful judging –
Bearer of divine wisdom
May the stranger be
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Accessing wisdom is tricky. Acting on it is even more hazardous. It involves knowing ourselves and our tendency to deny and deflect. Today’s passages hold up a mirror, not to discourage, but correct.
How fleeting my life
Like a shade, it passes by
But I would be known
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Broken covenant
By you who think you know best
Sit back and suffer!
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Judging another
You will thrust forth your finger
With three pointing back!
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Wondering Pilgrim 