Spiritual Economics 101

Psalm 41

We easily could look back on this psalm from a couple of New Testament vantage points. One is a part of the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount, to which the opening verses of Psalm 41 are similar ...

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
- Matthew 5:7

The other is Jesus’ comment, recorded in John 13:18, “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.'”

These two references highlight for me that it is a special witness to God’s grace when his people can be merciful when they are not experiencing such treatment themselves. It is great to be kind-hearted when things are going well. I rarely snap at anyone when I’m feeling things are good. The unredeemed part of me comes more into play when I’m feeling put upon in some way. They I need God’s special grace.

I’m going to take a break from the Psalms at this point, as we have reached the end of Book I. For an article on the Psalms that includes discussion of their arrangement into ‘books’ (under heading, “Collection, Arrangement and Date”), go to
http://www.ibs.org/niv/studybible/psalms.php

Next: The Letter to the Galatians

Prayer:
Lord, this psalm reminds me how much I need daily infusions of your own mercy – and discipline - that I would be merciful to others. Thank you for the honesty of these psalms, and for the vitality of your Word reaching into everyday life and living. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.