I remember the last time my favourite team won the Stanley Cup. I was six. As I have aged I have become painfully aware of this truth, “You know it’s spring when the Leafs are out.” Every October I am full of expectation. Every spring I watch other teams battle it out.
This is why I believe the psalmist should tone it down. We receive promises of the Creator taking charge, and we hope. However, the world doesn’t seem to be turning out this way. The bad ones seem to be winning.
Still, notice the verbs. Instead of being in the past tense, or the future, they are in the present. This tells us to live the dream, to see God turning the world upside down in order for the light of peace and justice to shine. Further, while much of the psalm gives God the temperament of a cage fighter, we hear the tenderness of one who comes down in love and calls us to follow in joy.
Someday the Leafs might win. Now, and for all time, God has given us the victory in Christ.
Creator God, in the midst of this crazy, mixed-up world, we give you thanks for coming down in your Son and causing light to shine for all. Amen. — MHD