Sabbath Psalms - Love and Hate

Psalm 45:6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. (NIV)

            I like the ancient word that is used in this verse for ‘justice’. In Hebrew, it’s ‘misor,’ which refers to something that is geographically flat like a plain or level like a plateau. It’s the equivalent of us talking about fairness where everyone is given an equal opportunity because we’re all on the same level playing field. There is no advantage given to anyone because of their strength, esteem, or power. Everybody is treated the same, so that justice can prevail. There is no special favor or consideration given to one group over another. Justice occurs truthfully and honestly, which is why some courts have a statue of justice being blind. There is no favoritism or patronage given; justice impartially seeks the truth which is why it is a symbol of God’s everlasting sovereignty.

            In a world that is beset with powerful liars and chronic misinformation, the truth can often be buried under a mountain of lies. People are manipulated by brazen leaders who twist the truth into what their followers want to hear, no matter how absurd it sounds. It’s a form of evil that repulses God and damages the world. Blindly accepted absurdities can turn into acceptable atrocities where justice is ignored, and prejudice is fully displayed. The terrifying lynchings in our own recent history testify to the wickedness of ordinary people who were absolutely convinced they were supporting and doing the right thing.

            If justice is a symbol of God’s sovereignty, then there will come a time when all of those liars, manipulators, and unconstrained leaders will be made accountable in eternity, as well as those who blindly followed them. The misor of God will level and expose everything, so those who should have known better or who deluded themselves will also be held accountable for ignoring the truth and embracing evil.

Point to ponder: What does justice mean to me? Is it the same as what it means to God? Am I guilty of following liars and spreading lies?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to see the world through Your eyes and to seek God’s justice across this planet. Encourage us to express the truth in the face of lies and to confront corruption with faith, hope, and love. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is a retired Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.

September 6 devotion - JQA

Psalm 45:1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. (NIV)

            I’m currently reading a biography of John Quincy Adams – my favorite US President. The book is called ‘Memoir of the Life of John Quincy Adams,’ which was written by one of his relatives, Josiah Quincy. The book contains many sections of the speeches and writings of JQA, especially the ones he wrote and gave after he left the Presidency. In my opinion, he was the most intelligent President we have ever had and much of his writing reflects the breadth of his international experiences, as well as his love of classical books.

            JQA was a fierce opponent of slavery and a strong advocate for the liberty of all people, especially where their rights to petition or protest had been suppressed or ignored. When he gave a speech in Congress, his words were often jeered by his opponents, but JQA’s perseverance and great command of language enabled him to strongly express what needed to be changed about how the American people were governed. He fought continuously against the notorious Gag Rule of 1835 which unjustly, as well as unconstitutionally, tabled and silenced any petitions against slavery in the House of Representatives. This disreputable procedure was introduced by James Polk from Tennessee and practiced for nine inglorious years during which JQA constantly railed against it in Congress, at public gatherings, and in the newspapers. Eventually, both his tongue and pen overcame the fierce opposition, leading the way toward ending slavery in the US.

            In this post-modern age of superficial sound bites, snap chat, and jingoism, we need solid speeches, effective writing, and committed leaders to keep us on a path which will advance life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for everyone. JQA fully understood why universal equality was so important because he saw it as an inalienable right given to us by God. As he once wrote, ‘Quench not the spirit of freedom. Let it go forth, not in the panoply of fleshly wisdom, but with the promise of peace, and the voice of persuasion, clad in the whole armor of truth, conquering and to conquer.’

            As people of faith, we have an opportunity to make our congregations, communities, and countries much better places by promoting Christ’s teaching and truth, rejecting what is false and unjust, and writing about or expressing our beliefs in ways that are kind, loving, and full of hope. If we are willing to do these things, then our tongues and pens will no longer be weapons of division and disunity, but will effectively become channels of God’s mercy and instruments of peace.

Point to ponder

What things can I write, say, or do which will promote peace and advance God’s love among my family and friends?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to cherish Your ways and communicate Your love to everyone we encounter today. Keep us from causing division and enable us to promote Your peace. In your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s Psalm drawings based on today’s Bible verse. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm 45.

JQA - Psalm 45:1

Psalm 45:1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. (NIV)

            I’m currently reading a biography of John Quincy Adams – my favorite US President. The book is called ‘Memoir of the Life of John Quincy Adams,’ which was written by one of his relatives, Josiah Quincy. The book contains many sections of the speeches and writings of JQA, especially the ones he wrote and gave after he left the Presidency. In my opinion, he was the most intelligent President we have ever had and much of his writing reflects the breadth of his international experiences, as well as his love of classical books.

            JQA was a fierce opponent of slavery and a strong advocate for the liberty of all people, especially where their rights to petition or protest had been suppressed or ignored. When he gave a speech in Congress, his words were often jeered by his opponents, but JQA’s perseverance and great command of language enabled him to strongly express what needed to be changed about how the American people were governed. He fought continuously against the notorious Gag Rule of 1835 which unjustly, as well as unconstitutionally, tabled and silenced any petitions against slavery in the House of Representatives. This disreputable procedure was introduced by James Polk from Tennessee and practiced for nine inglorious years during which JQA constantly railed against it in Congress, at public gatherings, and in the newspapers. Eventually, both his tongue and pen overcame the fierce opposition, leading the way toward ending slavery in the US.

            In this post-modern age of superficial sound bites, snap chat, and jingoism, we need solid speeches, effective writing, and committed leaders to keep us on a path which will advance life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for everyone. JQA fully understood why universal equality was so important because he saw it as an inalienable right given to us by God. As he once wrote, ‘Quench not the spirit of freedom. Let it go forth, not in the panoply of fleshly wisdom, but with the promise of peace, and the voice of persuasion, clad in the whole armor of truth, conquering and to conquer.’

            As people of faith, we have an opportunity to make our congregations, communities, and countries much better places by promoting Christ’s teaching and truth, rejecting what is false and unjust, and writing about or expressing our beliefs in ways that are kind, loving, and full of hope. If we are willing to do these things, then our tongues and pens will no longer be weapons of division and disunity, but will effectively become channels of God’s mercy and instruments of peace.

Point to ponder

What things can I write, say, or do which will promote peace and advance God’s love among my family and friends?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to cherish Your ways and communicate Your love to everyone we encounter today. Keep us from causing division and enable us to promote Your peace. In your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s Psalm drawings based on today’s Bible verse. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm 45.