Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Participation in Divine Mission

Psalms 146 
Praise the Lord!
My whole being praise the Lord.
I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing praises to my God as long as I live.  
(Psalms 146:1-2) 

We use the word praise when we praise someone or tell them they are great. The soul is a part of us that lives when our bodies die. In psalms 146 verse 1-2, the psalmist is speaking about declaration of his own praise to God and as an exhortation of praise. He is calling his own soul to give God praise and others to give praise as well with one’s entire life living out God’s values of truth, justice and responsiveness to those in need. Psalms 146 celebrates the good news that in face of human frailty and mortality our God remains trustworthy. It shows God’s authority from creation to eternity in dedicating to help those in deepest needs. Here God’s goodness is acknowledged.

Verse 3-4 tells us not to trust in human leaders. Trust means believing someone will do as promised. In the psalmist times leaders meant kings and rulers. For us it means everyone with authority. Some examples of leaders seen today are public officials, business leaders, teachers etc. Many leaders do what they have promised and some do not. But none of them can give us help after we die except God. That is why we must trust God only. It means God will save us so that our souls will not die. Verse 5 –6 highlights the good fortune of the person who trusts in the God for he gives help to people that ask him for it. Here we can see God as a helper in time of need.

Verse 7-9 speaks of those who are oppressed and how God brings justice to them. Here the oppressed are people that stronger people are not kind to. Stronger people make the weaker work for them. They do not pay much for the work. Oppressed are not free to do what they want to do. So, they are often hungry and may feel life is like being in a prison. A blind person cannot see. But God will help people like this if they ask as we are God’s people and he is with us. God also protects strangers and won’t allow anyone to hurt them. Strangers in biblical times were people from foreign countries. They lived in the country around Jerusalem. Today we call them aliens or refugees. God also protects children that have no fathers. He protects widows. God does not protect or send help to wicked people. Here we can see God is attentive and reliable. No one who intends harm will ultimately succeed.

In conclusion we are called as Christians to serve God through participation in divine mission. To trust in God at all times and not in human leader. To give him praise for his works and the assistance he provides for those who call upon him. We are called to be attentive to those who are oppressed and to reflect God’s glory as we serve for his purpose. As Christians we must await in hope knowing Lord Jesus will come back to earth soon to restore and redeem us.
 
Prayer
Our heavenly father, teach us to trust in you and not in human leaders. Be our leader and teach us to obey you. When we face difficulties or hardships, teach us to lift up our hands in prayer. Enable us to open our hearts to you knowing you are close to those who call upon your name. When you answer our prayers and send us help, teach us to give thanks and praise you. When there are no hardships in our lives, help us to still remember and praise you. Amen.
 
Thought for the day
Living in a world where disappointment, anger, frustration and injustice remain, we are assured that God’s kingdom is different. Jesus will come back to the earth soon as king. We should remain hopeful in faith and pray that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Praise the Lord!
 
Sheeba Manoj
St. Andrews MTC New York

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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