Pondering Love and Justice

“I will ponder the way that is blameless"...

from 102:2 (ESV)

During February we were exploring Psalm 101 together. This psalm gives us a fascinating look at what kingship looks like, with much to say to us today about good and wise leadership of any form.

David immediately sets out the issues that are the most important to him. Looking through different translations of Verse 1 we find these are displayed in words such as mercy, grace, love, kindness and justice. God’s justice is filled with compassion throughout the Bible- His concern for the poor, the sick, the foreigner or traveller is highlighted again and again. His dismay of those who oppress these groups is evident. David does not want anything to do with people who do not share God’s view of what justice should look like. He wishes to rule his kingdom God’s way, exemplifying the loving-kindness God has shown to him. He has no time for people with their own selfish agendas, or those trying to satisfy their own pride or ambition.

David is aware of the enormity of this task. To serve with the utmost integrity is far from easy. He exclaims “Oh when will you come to me?”, knowing he needs divine help to rule like this. Yet, we know he failed- massively, on several occasions to deliver this promise. Time and again though, God also showed his heart for those who royally mess-up... to call them back into his arms. This is another part of God’s divine justice- the God who is willing to forgive. This is the God who repeatedly calls on the rebellious nation of Israel to come back to him, and the Father who sent his son ‘not to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him’ as John’s Gospel puts it. It is in our weakness and failure that we see this wonderful aspect of God’s beauty.

How do you think it would be if more of our leaders were to ‘ponder the way that is blameless’? Are we willing to do this too? God is ready to help us.