Psalm 112 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 112 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.
Verse 2Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Verse 3Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
Verse 4They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
Verse 5It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
Verse 6For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
Verse 7They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
Verse 8Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
Verse 9They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
Verse 10The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
Devotion
As one ages, our legacy, always important, becomes even more important. What values am I leaving to my children and grandchildren? Is the neighborhood and world in which I live any better for my presence? Is Jesus’ justice on behalf of the neighbor a defining mark of my life? Have I been an example of generosity and stewardship? How will I be remembered? Is there any of my life’s work that will endure?
Huge questions for life and faith, but for the psalmist these are the central questions for those who both fear and love the Lord.
Recently, one of the members of our congregation gave a modest bequest to our congregation that enabled the establishment of an endowment fund. Now her gift will undergird Christ’s mission for generations upon generations.
May the Holy Spirit always keep “our hearts steady” lest we be whipped about like trees in the winds of the world.
Prayer
Lord, as we live in a world with so many voices calling us to live in their way, we pray that the Spirit of Truth would keep us strong and steadfast in God’s Word and guide us in following the voice of Jesus. Amen.