SCRIPTURE: Psalm 113
“He raises the poor from the dust.” (Psalm 113:7)
Where do the world’s underdogs turn to for hope?
Political and religious power are usually in the hands of the few.
And they use their powers for themselves, while neglecting or abusing those below.
This is natural – darwinian – the way things are – if you do not believe in God.
The Jews were underdogs, and they trusted in the God of the underdogs.
Not that their God was weak – enthroned on high, exalted over the nations.
But THIS ‘top dog’ (no disrespect intended) chooses not to use His power FOR Himself.
Notice how this psalm describes the way God uses His exalted position.
Raises the poor, lifts the needy, helps the childless woman.
Any idea of God as distant, aloof, uncaring, overbearing, stern, etc. is inaccurate.
The God that is, that surrounds and sustains all reality, is a God of mercy and love.
He wants all to be princes in His kingdom, to level the ‘playing field’.
But He will bring down who refuse to make room, or refuse to treat others as their equals.
Some may prefer their darwinian, king-of-the-hill worldview (at least if they’re not on the bottom).
But I prefer the God-of-the-underdog worldview.
Praise the Lord, the God of the underdogs, the hope for all who find themselves underfoot.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, too often we have different ideas about God – angry, bossy, judgmental. Help us to see that Your greatness is in Your mercy, Your awesomeness is in Your compassion!