January 20 

Where are the Faithful?

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalms 12:1-8 | Genesis 41:17 – 42:17 | Matthew 13:24-46 | Proverbs 4:1-6

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 12

“Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. Everyone lies to to their neighbor: they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts (Psalm 12:1-2, NIV).

Where are the faithful—the loyal? They seem to be missing from the human race. They’ve vanished. So claims the Psalmist.

The widespread human condition: the heart is deceitful, revealed by lips that lie and flatter and boast. We defend our actions, asserting our freedom and independence from God, asking “who is lord over us?”

Perhaps he will not notice our attempts to take advantage of the poor and needy. But the groans of the needy cry out. God will arise and protect (5).

In complete contrast to the faithless, with words that lie, flatter and deceive, are the words of the LORD: flawless, pure, refined as precious metals (6).

The wicked may strut while the human race celebrates the vile, the sinful, the unjust. Yet God is committed to keeping the needy safe protecting them from the advantage of those who would exploit their own power, position and privilege (5).

LORD God, arise, protect the poor and needy. Hear the groans. Meet the needs. May our hearts be turned toward truth and justice—and may our lips humbly reflect the truth. Let righteousness, justice and truth prevail. Amen.