The Rock

Be to me a rock of refuge,
    a strong fortress, to save me,
    for you are my rock and my fortress.

Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
    from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.

                                            Psalm 71:3-4 NRSV

 

Sully is a huge English Mastiff. He is a rock. He goes about his business steady and sure. You can nudge him; but, unless he wants to move, it's not going to happen. Fortunately, he is a gentle giant and listens quite well. He is totally non-aggressive; but, if he's standing by your side, most people would think twice about approaching you in any manner other than in a most amiable way. 

 

Jesus is our rock of refuge. He is our fortress. The unjust and cruel will not prevail over those who dwell within the walls of that fortress, which is the Body of Christ. As much as I trust that by Sully's side I will be safe; I only see him a few times a year. But, Jesus is with me always. It is he who will save and keep us for all eternity.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Isaiah 10 - Too Many Unjust Laws

God's people are not only contending with the Assyrians, but with their leadership as well.  The word of the LORD, as given through Isaiah:

"Woe to those who make unjust laws,
to those who issue oppressive decrees,
to deprive the poor of their rights
and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people,
making widows their prey
and robbing the fatherless.
What will you do on the day of reckoning,
when disaster comes from afar?
To whom will you run for help?
Where will you leave your riches?" (Isa 10:1-4 NIV)

As I read chapter 10 this morning, I was thinking about the U.S. Congress and Senate. I wondered how, in few words, one could describe their role. Three words:  "They make laws." And... we pay them pretty well to do it. Why... why do we pay people to make laws that oppress? The more laws there are, the more restrictions there are on our freedoms. I'm not saying laws are a bad thing. I'm just thinking that it seems to be a waste to make so many that no one can even know them all let alone follow them all. 

I'm thinking that the reason we have so many laws and restrictions on the books is because we need to justify giving these men and women such huge paychecks and benefits while there are multitudes in this country that go without basic necessities.

Just a reminder: the law never saves anyone. It has a good purpose, but it will not save one soul. Only Jesus saves!

God's Peace - Pr. J