Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. – Psalm 89:14
Many of us have known someone who has worn the uniform of a soldier. Whether and family member or friend, serving our nation is an important calling, and many answer such call. Today, though we pause, and remember those who answered the call, put on the uniform, but never had the opportunity to take it off, or lay down arms. We enjoy many of our freedoms thanks to these individuals, who gave all that they had to offer for God and country, who died in harm’s way for the sake of others. Today, to take a moment to stop and give thanks for those who are fallen, yet not forgotten. May God’s peace and rewards be ever upon them.
Our psalmist reminds us that righteousness and justice are the very foundations for God’s throne. As long as there have been people on this planet, there have been those who have sought to bring about the righteousness of God in the world, people who have fought for justice for all, people who have believed that God would lead them on a path towards finding peace. There are many different philosophies for how we attain righteousness and justice, and the arguments between those who disagree on these philosophies isn’t very peaceful. However, I believe that there is something to be said about those who seek to bring peace through love and faithfulness.
We don’t know everything that we need to know about love, we have Paul’s 1 Corinthians 13 definition, and we have what we see in Jesus, or in God. But depending on our perspective we can see love as something less than loving. Sometimes love is anger. The righteous anger of a mother whose child has disobeyed the law and faces criminal charges. The love that is shown in turning an addict over to the authorities that they might get the help they truly need. The love that is letting go of a loved one who can no longer make it in this world. We think we know love, but sometimes love hurts.
Faithfulness is much the same we often think of faithfulness as being a good church goer, or keeping up with our prayer and devotional life. These are important, but sometimes faithfulness looks like going to war to protect someone else. Sometimes faithfulness is staying with a sister or brother knowing you are in harm’s way until help comes. Faithfulness sometimes gets messy.
If love and faithfulness are seen in the person of Jesus, then it is the nasty trial, beating, and crucifixion of Christ. Yet, in those we also see, now the righteous justice of who through such messy acts brought about the salvation of the world. When I think about all the messiness that goes into love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice, I can’t help but think that those who went to war out of duty and obligation, went also to serve out of love and justice for those whom they left behind. Today, I am thankful for those faithful to God and country, who gave of themselves for the freedom in which we celebrate. May God, the truly righteous one, grant them the peace they deserve.
Grace & Peace,
Sam