Most
churchgoers are aware that Jesus prayed Psalm 22:1 from the cross. Other Psalms
echoed in Jesus words as he hung dying. We recognize the prayer from Psalm 31:5
even if we are not aware of its source. Today my Psalm prayers brought me to
Psalm 69, which is not often alluded to in preaching and teaching about Jesus’
crucifixion, but when held up against the Gospel Passion Narratives, it sheds
incisive light on Jesus’ praying through his suffering.
I
often find verse 6 instructive as I deal with the challenges that come with
difficult relationships. Today it prompted me to examine how I respond to some
of the political expressions that seem to be multiplying exponentially. Some
folk pass on extremely demeaning political expressions along with pleas for
courtesy and balance (presumably from those who disagree), seeming to be
unaware of the incongruity.
I
do have political opinions that are not secret, but I endeavor to articulate
them in a way that prompts thinking rather than argument (though I know I am
not always successful). I aspire to have my political opinions shaped by Jesus’
Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and Solomon’s Prayer for the King (Psalm 72)
rather than being squeezed into the mold of the world’s political parties and
categories. (Romans 12:2 – Phillips) I offer this from Psalm 69:6 not so much
as instructive for those who proclaim their political opinions with or without
malice as a prayer for God to infuse my responses in these turbulent, divisive
times.
Psalm 69:6
Do not let those who hope in you be put to shame
because of me, O Lord God of hosts;
do not let those who seek you be dishonored because
of me.
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