Scene: An investigation board covered in pins and threads

Katy Emslie-Smith August 20, 2025 0 0

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Psalm 82 (NIVUK)

1 God presides in the great assembly;
    he renders judgment among the ‘gods’:

2 ‘How long will you defend the unjust
    and show partiality to the wicked?
3 Defend the weak and the fatherless;
    uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

5 ‘The “gods” know nothing, they understand nothing.
    They walk about in darkness;
    all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6 ‘I said, “You are ‘gods’;
    you are all sons of the Most High.”
7 But you will die like mere mortals;
    you will fall like every other ruler.’

8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth,
    for all the nations are your inheritance.

A nervous young police officer, his suit a little too big, stands in front of a roomful of other officers, seated amongst regulation grey and blue chairs on a weary carpet. His job is to connect on the whiteboard the photos of people, places, wounds and implements, maps and small items in plastic bags into a cohesive story of evidence. He weaves a web with his marker pen and lengths of string and tells the story of the crime, hoping for the truth to emerge from this visual network of clues.

In Psalm 82, God goes to court to hear the evidence.

The gavel comes down for the accusation – those entrusted with the welfare of others, the leaders, governors, influencers, judges and lawmakers have sided with unjust people and allowed wicked actions to go unchecked.

For the avoidance of doubt, the law is reiterated – our obligation is to “defend the defenceless, to make sure that underdogs get a fair break…. to stand up for the powerless and prosecute all who exploit them” (The Message translation).

The witnesses are called. Their testimony is of rudderless, uninformed leaders lacking in wisdom stumbling around while the fabric of society becomes worn threadbare by unfair practices and oppression.

Silence in court as the supreme judge gives his pre-amble. He makes clear there are no exemptions from these requirements to live life in a way pleasing to him, no favouritism based on status.

And the verdict? We are forgiven of guilt.

We are free to choose how to live and at the same time accountable to God for our actions, compelled and bound by the love of Christ, who has taken the penalty, to live for him and in his ways, whose service is perfect freedom.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we all hold some responsibility for the welfare and support of others. Help us to understand with wisdom how to live in ways that align with your special compassion and care for the weak and vulnerable, the poor and oppressed.