Sermon by the Rev. Amanda Currie
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Psalm 26
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Today’s readings are not easy ones. We hear the psalmist, begging for God’s help, claiming innocence, and hoping that God will be on his side and help him. And we have Job — a man who is described as “blameless and upright, one who feared God, and turned away from evil”. But though Job was a good man, his story indicates that his righteousness did not protect him from harm. Despite his faithfulness, he was struck with many troubles — losing his possessions and his family, suffering physical pain and illness and isolation.
It seems to me that the words of the psalmist match up with our human perception of what is right and fair. If God exists, and if God is both powerful and loving, then we should expect to be able to ask for blessings and receive them. If we work hard to be good and faithful to God, then God should reward us.
The psalmist expects this kind of justice from God. He writes: “Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering… I … Read more »