Today’s scripture: Psalm 101 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
When I read a psalm like this about justice, it brings to me to the issues we face at the time I read it. The recent shootings and issues of race with Michael Brown in Missouri and Levar Edward Jones in South Carolina make me wonder about verse 6. What did the writer of this psalm, David, mean by, “I will look with favor on the faithful so they may live with me” or “Whoever walks in the way that is blameless will minister to me?”
It makes me think back to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Some thought he was a troublemaker, some thought he was dangerous, some thought he was promoting social unrest. Isn’t it ironic that those who accused Dr. King of those things were not listening to the message or seeing clearly what was going on? Dr. King was being faithful to God’s justice; even seeking nonviolence in his way of seeking justice, only to have a violent act end his life. Dr. King was trying to create a place for all people to live; a non-segregated place. “I will look with favor on the faithful so they may live with me.”
Since his death in 1968, Dr. King’s voice, his movement, and God’s justice that he was seeking still minister to us today. The voice is loud and carries with it a message for God’s justice.
Thought Question for the Day: How do I live that allows me to invite others to live with me, and allows God’s justice to minister to me?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.