December 10

Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son. May he judge your people with righteousness and your poor with justice…May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor. – from Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Rev. Michael Neuroth, Director, Office of Public Policy & Advocacy

“A lot of people seem to believe in a big-daddy-God or a big-cop-God or a big-king-God…Some say God is a spirit, a force, an ultimate reality. Ask seven people what all of that means and you’ll get seven different answers. So what is God? Just another name for whatever makes you feel special and protected?” – from Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

 

Psalm 72 is a “coronation” Psalm, likely written for the inauguration of one of the kings of Israel. The writer blesses the king, while also subversively calling out the needs of the people and exalting God – “who alone does wondrous things.”

Today, we read this royal Psalm at a politically fraught point in history. Democratic norms and institutions are being dismantled, the rule of law disregarded, and “no kings” marches are gaining momentum across our country. Political elites and technocrats wield vast economic and social power as inequality around the world deepens. Pundits talk of a new “gilded age” on the horizon.

What might the Psalmist offer us today?

Psalm 72 is a reminder that God demands the thriving of ALL. The poor are lifted and oppressors are crushed. Prosperity comes “for the people, and the hills, in righteousness (v.3).” God’s blessing is offered to rulers who align with God’s abolition concern for those struggling under poverty, violence, and oppression, God’s abolition economy rooted in collective care, God’s abolition vision of wholeness and abundance for all – shalom.

In the darkness of this Advent, let us be reminded that it is God – not a king – who alone can do “wondrous things.”  Let us pledge our fealty to Love alone, believing God’s kingdom will come, God’s will will be done.

 

Prayer

Ruler beyond all kings, Sovereign beyond all lords,
we yearn for earthly leaders who are worthy of our loyalty, our trust, our hope, and your blessing.
Open our hearts to the abolition wisdom of collective liberation:
we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.
As we wait for you, remind us that you are waiting for us to be Love in flesh and bone,
your tangible presence in this aching world.
Grounded in hope, moving in solidarity, we would pray and live.  Amen.