6/8/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.
Money is something that most of us desire. If you ask a thousand people if they would be able to figure out what to do with a greater income than they have at present, virtually all of them would have some ideas. Psalm 112 speaks to our desire to find security, and it makes some specific comments about financial security.
Before I go on, I should state plainly that the statements in Psalm 112 should not be treated as a magic formula or an invariable plan. However, over time, we can find countless instances of the validity of the principle.
In verse five, the righteous man is generous and he lends. He acts with justice. How does it come out for him? He is not moved. There's a stability in the life of the person who treats people honorably and who is willing to allow his assets to help others.
Even if there are adversaries, the righteous person knows he has done what is right. Frankly, most other people in society recognize it as well. And what do we do for people who routinely do what is good, who are generous in the community, and who treat others right? When they're in trouble we normally reach out to protect them.
The Psalm very briefly draws a contrast, in verse ten. The wicked person? It doesn't say what is wicked about that person. But his life is a shambles. He's angry. He sees his wealth pass away. It is a matter of great distress!
Do we see the irony in this Psalm? The righteous person does good for the poor. The wicked person ends up in need of help from the righteous person.
It doesn't always work out this way, but in general, what do we learn? We want to do good, let our resources be used for good in the community, and live for the benefit of others. The Lord will provide for us. We don't need to fear.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.
Money is something that most of us desire. If you ask a thousand people if they would be able to figure out what to do with a greater income than they have at present, virtually all of them would have some ideas. Psalm 112 speaks to our desire to find security, and it makes some specific comments about financial security.
Before I go on, I should state plainly that the statements in Psalm 112 should not be treated as a magic formula or an invariable plan. However, over time, we can find countless instances of the validity of the principle.
In verse five, the righteous man is generous and he lends. He acts with justice. How does it come out for him? He is not moved. There's a stability in the life of the person who treats people honorably and who is willing to allow his assets to help others.
Even if there are adversaries, the righteous person knows he has done what is right. Frankly, most other people in society recognize it as well. And what do we do for people who routinely do what is good, who are generous in the community, and who treat others right? When they're in trouble we normally reach out to protect them.
The Psalm very briefly draws a contrast, in verse ten. The wicked person? It doesn't say what is wicked about that person. But his life is a shambles. He's angry. He sees his wealth pass away. It is a matter of great distress!
Do we see the irony in this Psalm? The righteous person does good for the poor. The wicked person ends up in need of help from the righteous person.
It doesn't always work out this way, but in general, what do we learn? We want to do good, let our resources be used for good in the community, and live for the benefit of others. The Lord will provide for us. We don't need to fear.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
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