Hey Church:
Psalms 112:6,7
For the righteous will never be moved;
…He is not afraid of bad news;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
The verses just before and after this promise tell us just who this righteous person is. It’s the one who is proactively “generous”, “gives to the poor”, “distributes freely” and is for “justice”.
The Psalmist is telling us if we’re too busy being kind, generous, and acting in justice for the oppressed, we won’t be jarred or shaken by any news that comes out of Babylon.
Jeremiah caught some flack (what else is new?) from the refugees in Babylon for telling them to “buck up!” and thrive in their ‘new normal’ in Babylon. They wanted to sit by the canals and weep instead, not seeing much use for their harps and the songs of Zion in a foreign place (see Psalm 137).
“How can we sing our national anthems in a foreign land?” they spat.
Undeterred, Jeremiah replied, “How can you NOT?!?”
He saw a golden opportunity for his people not only to survive, but to thrive. And in their thriving, Babylon – yes, even cruel, wicked, satanic empire of Babylon – would have a share in her blessings (see Jeremiah 29).
And who knows? Might be that her despotic king might bow the knee to Jesus and join the company of the saints!
What we see Jesus doing in the gospels, He wants to do it through us. Let’s do life in Jesus’ name. Let’s show the world a better headline!
Selah,
PS
I was comforted to be in your midst. Many of my adult children are struggling. My husband has severe health issues. God has miraculously brought us through. I remember hearing you at TTU. (Elizabeth Negley)
Thank you, Joy, for reading and commenting on my post. I’ve prayed for you just now (and weeks ago when I first read this), and give thanks for the good grace of God that has come to your lives. May God’s healing love continue to hold you in this Advent season.