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.
Psalm 85:12 boldly affirms that the Lord will give what is good. Here it is tied to an increase from the land. What conclusion can we draw from this? Economic prosperity is good. It is one of the ways God provides for people. The increase from the land means people can eat. This is a very good thing.
Verse seven ties the idea to peace that comes from the Lord. While we would certainly pray for internal peace, in God's kingdom we expect an outward peace as well. Yes, in Christ, no matter the turmoil of this world, I can have peace of mind, orderly affections, and comfort in my soul. But that doesn't put food on my table or on anyone else's.
The peace which brings prosperity includes safety from those marauding hordes who trample and burn your crops.
How does the Lord work this out? First, as we learn to love our neighbors as ourselves, we cultivate a peaceful and orderly community. We end up working for each other's good. This is voluntary in nature, so very different from the modern Marxist idea of forced collectivism. This comes from the bottom up.
Second, we start to see that the Lord of heaven and earth is able to work prosperity for all. It is not a zero sum game, competing for scanty resources. It is a world of a rising tide which can lift all the ships.
Third, we bring honor to God in all things. He is able to bless our land, as he already has through Christ's work to reconcile us to him.
The Lord pours out what is good. Thanks be to God.
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