From the readings in the
Revised Common Lectionary for 2 January 2014, I choose to comment on Psalm 20 (NIV). I did consider whether to do Hebrews 11:1-12 instead, but decided that given the high proportion of non-Christians here, it would be difficult to do justice to the passage and make it relevant to all who might read both it and my commentary. Comments on whether to emphasize a Universalist or a Christian perspective in future musings would be welcome.
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
6 Now this I know:
The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 Lord, give victory to the king!
Answer us when we call!This psalm sees fairly wide usage. It is part of the usual Jewish daily service, save on the Sabbath and other special days. In Christian usage, it tends to be invoked most commonly at inaugurals and in times of trouble. After all, the first half is a prayer that the Lord aid the ruler.
Yet the core of the message is found in verse 7. Strength in the physical world is but ephemeral. Sooner or later, if we place our faith in it, our faith will not be rewarded. Hence it is better to place out faith in the Lord our God, for he shall ultimately vindicate those who believe in his path. As a Universalist I believe that to be on the right hand of God requires that we follow the path of justice and compassion. To quote from Shakespeare's
Henry V Act II Scene 6: "... we give express charge, that in our marches through the country, there be nothing compelled from the villages, nothing taken but paid for, none of the French upbraided or abused in disdainful language; for when lenity and cruelty play for a kingdom, the gentler gamester is the soonest winner."
