Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 (NIV)
4 He will defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
he will crush the oppressor.
4 He will defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
he will crush the oppressor.
5 He will endure as long as the sun,
as long as the moon, through all generations...
...11 All kings will bow down to him
and all nations will serve him.
and all nations will serve him.
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
Parents work hard not to have "favorites" among their children.
Whether God has favorite children, I can't say for sure. But I'm convinced that he does have a special sort of affection for those who are weak and in need.
The Bible seems to spell this out, again and again, very clearly.
Why would that be? My hunch is that it's because those who are weak have less of their own pride to stand upon. When we're vividly aware of our own shortcomings and inabilities, we're much more open to the idea of receiving God's help.
That means weakness isn't something to be ashamed of in Christianity.
Our weakness is God's strength.
Tough concept for us to get...but so important.
Following Jesus in now way has anything to do with showing God how good we are...how worthy of love.
Instead, it's just the opposite. Becoming a Christian means giving up all the false pretenses, being vulnerable and receiving the love and strength that God already seeks to give us.
The best relationships are the ones where you can stop acting, let out a breath, and be yourself.
That's what God wants from his children.
So...admit your weaknesses. Maybe even embrace them before God.
Because those weaknesses, patched and filled by the God who loves us...can become the places where his strength can shine.
Prayer: God our King, help us to know that it is always good to name our weaknesses before you. You have promised to help the needy and we embrace that promise with hope for healing and always a better tomorrow.
Tomorrow's Scripture: John 15:5-12
2 comments:
Once again, this message spoke directly to me. I'm always amazed that God, knowing all of my shortcomings, loves me and is always there for me (just like we are for our own children).
Thank you for sharing this scripture and the message.
Sandra
I believe it was Nietzsche who criticized Christianity by saying something to the tune of it is a religion created by the weak and for the weak. According to the Scripture today, he was actually half right. It is for the weak, but also according to Scripture, we are all weak and in need of a strong leader. Someone who could strengthen us. And in our weakness, He is strong.
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