One Year Bible Blog: March 24th readings

One Year Bible Blog: March 24th readings

Psalm 67:1-2

Like many other psalms, this one asks for the blessings of God. What I think is important, though, is the motivation for asking. It is not for the comfort of Israel. Rather, it is so that the entire Earth can see the grace, mercy, and power of God.

I get upset with those who preach that prosperity is a sign of God's favor, and hard times an indication of God's anger. As if "living the good life" is the God-given right of every believer. I don't believe that. I do believe that, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves, we can use it so "that [God's] way may be known upon earth, [God's] saving power among all nations." (NRSV)

Which dovetails nicely into Luke 6:20-26, when Jesus tell his disciples that they are blessed for the trials they endure for his sake. The text talks about heavenly rewards, but I think it's also that those rewards will mean all the more, because of the earlier pain. I have never been truly hungry, so I don't fully appreciate the blessing of being full. Even the (very few) times I've fasted, I've always known it would be ending at such-and-such time, and was under my control.