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 three-year lectionary.
Psalm 138 draws a picture of the God who knows all sorts of people. He recognizes the haughty, the lowly, kings, and even me. What does he do? He gives protection, guidance, and all manner of care to those who call on him. This is God’s purpose.
What does it imply when God’s purpose is to rescue his people? The God of the Bible is not a self-centered God who is greedy for power at the expense of his people who must praise him in a certain way or else. He, in fact, is an other-centered God who is greedy for the good of his people and his world. Verse 8 points out that the world in general, and God’s faithful people in particular, are the work of God’s hands. Like a master craftsman who has created something beautiful and useful, God rejoices in the good of his creation.
In response to our identity as God’s workmanship, we can live in confidence. We are of great value. We and all humans are deserving of honor. We treat one another and our world with respect, knowing that there is one God over all. We realize that despite all hardship there’s a rhyme and a reason to everything. The God who made us and our world is certainly able to be the sustainer as well. Here is comfort. Here is peace.
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