SOAP Journal 03-28-2008 (Psalm 82:3-4)

Scripture:

Psalm 82:3-4 Defend the cause of the poor and the fatherless! Vindicate the oppressed and suffering! Rescue the poor and needy! Deliver them from the power of the wicked!

Observation:

This commandment, given to the "assembly of El" - the high and mighty among men (or among gods - small g) - singles out the oppressed for deliverance and defense. That is, the highest and mightiest of powerful beings are to expend their most direct attention and energies on behalf of the lowest and weakest of all powerless beings. And "the wicked" are seen as discrete from those at "El" - though maybe they become tacit supporters of the wicked if they do nothing for the oppressed and suffering.

Application:

Far from a call for socialism or any "equalizing" form of human law or governance, the call is personal here. It is to those individuals with power - and they exist in every form of government and institution. It is to me over the database team and the church in Milford. It is to me as a father and husband. It is to civil servants of all ranks and description - if they are "servants" in name alone they are missing it. We collectively need to find the ones who need help and help them. Period.

Prayer:

Lord God in heaven, thank You for the call to serve those who most need help. Let me see who they are, what they need and how to provide it. Let me overcome all voices and arguments that would sway me away from Your call, that would distract and delay. And let ALL of me be useful in Your service, for You saved ALL of me. In Jesus' name.