Insurance
What happens if we stop living for ourselves and start living for others?
Happy are they who consider the poor and needy! the Lord will deliver them in the time of trouble. The Lord preserves them and keeps them alive, so that they may be happy in the land; he does not hand them over to the will of their enemies. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and ministers to them in their illness. I said, "Lord, be merciful to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you." My enemies are saying wicked things about me: When will he die, and his name perish?" Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words; their heart collects false rumors; they go outside and spread them. All my enemies whisper together about me and devise evil against me. "A deadly thing," they say, "has fastened on him; he has taken to his bed and will never get up again." Even my best friend, whom I trusted, who broke bread with me, has lifted up his heel and turned against me. But you, O Lord, be merciful to me and raise me up, and I shall repay them. By this I know you are pleased with me, that my enemy does not triumph over me. In my integrity you hold me fast, and shall set me before your face for ever. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from age to age. Amen. Amen. - Psalm 41:1-13
Today's psalm begins with a statement of joy that could be taken as a promise. If we consider those in need before ourselves, we will be delivered in the time of trouble.
It almost sounds like insurance. Do this and you will have nothing to worry about if people should harm you or illness will come to you.
Now what comes next sounds like a prophesy about Jesus and what he will go through, including the line that Jesus quotes:
Even my best friend, whom I trusted, who broke bread with me, has lifted up his heel and turned against me.
When we look at the cross we see that the enemies of Jesus did triumph over him on Friday, but by Sunday there is a different outcome. Jesus is raised and lifted up. He comes back to show us there is more to life than death.
Is that the answer we seek, eternal life in exchange for a hard life on earth?
This is what makes this faith of ours so hard to grasp. We want a good life now, but we want eternal life as well, so what do we do?
Each choice we make has to be made from the heart, and the heart has to be filled with love for one another. The mother doesn't run into a burning building for herself, but for the love of a child.
We face the challenges of this world not for ourselves but for those we love. Now, if only we could find it in our hearts to love everyone, then the world will be healed and justice will prevail.
Love is abundant. We shouldn't squander it.
More to come...