Scripture

“Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.” Psalm 146:5

Reflections

Earthly rulers like to build their power by soliciting the praise of the people over which they rule.  Their aims are at least tainted, if not motivated, by self-interest.  Sometimes they are even regarded as demi-gods or as human representatives of the gods themselves.  In the days of the Roman empire, Roman emperors would engrave “son of God” under their image on a coin.

Psalm 146 warns against such adulation because “there is no help in them”.  Earthly rulers cannot provide the help we all need most.  They are only human, subject to the same weaknesses, temptations, and self-centeredness as the rest of us.  They are mortal.  They will die like we all will, and in the vacuum of their absence all their plans perish with them.

True happiness and wellbeing will not come from earthly rulers or political parties.  It will only come from the Lord our God.  He is the One who is for the welfare and salvation of all the world, not just the elite.  He “keeps faith forever, executes justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, sets the prisoners free, opens the eyes of the blind, lifts up those who are bowed down, loves the righteous, watches over the strangers and upholds the orphan and the widow.” (Ps. 146:6-9)

Our one and only true Savior has come to us through God in Jesus.

Prayer

Lord God, I praise you for championing the well-being of all your creation.  As a follower of your way, help me to be a part of your saving presence in this world.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Psalm 146:5-10