Saturday, February 3

A World Without Enemies

Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Kace Leetch from Clergy Stuff.

The psalmist was clearly in pain. Whether Israel being persecuted by Israel's enemies, or King David being persecuted by his political enemies, the psalmist, at this writing, was clearly over it all. Being persecuted, being hated, being hunted. He was ready to be done with all of it -- ready to return to a peaceful life where he could worship God and be loved by God. It's an interesting turn of thoughts for a psalmist who, just verses ago, was praising God for having created people perfectly! It shows just how internally divided people truly are, even the psalmist. Even in the midst of his praise, the psalmist was also war-weary and ready for peace. Perhaps it's not an evil sentiment (although to wish death on one's enemies is far from peaceful) to desire that the psalmist's (and presumably God's) enemies be wiped out. There would certainly be peace if all of God's enemies were removed from the scene. It is a noble, if slightly misguided, thought to desire worldwide peace -- a world brought together by their mutual love for God. I still long for that world, don't you?

Narrative Lectionary Text: Psalm 139:19-24

O that you would kill the wicked, O God,
   and that the bloodthirsty would depart from me— 
those who speak of you maliciously,
   and lift themselves up against you for evil! 
Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?
   And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? 
I hate them with perfect hatred;
   I count them my enemies. 
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
   test me and know my thoughts. 
See if there is any wicked way in me,
   and lead me in the way everlasting.