Fair go

 All the kings in the world will praise you, LORD,
because they have heard your promises.
They will sing about what you have done
and about your great glory.
Even though you are so high above,
you care for the lowly,
and the proud cannot hide from you. 
(verses 4-6)

Read Psalm 138

‘It’s not fair!’ the young man protested, ‘you don’t treat us the same’. He was right, I wasn’t treating everyone the same way. Emotions had clouded my vision and biased my decisions against him. But I wasn’t about to give up my pride, so l retorted, ‘Life’s not fair. Get used to it.’

Unfortunately, life isn’t fair to everyone. In Australia both the law courts and government continue to struggle in their efforts to provide Indigenous Australians with a fair go. The fact is, people are treated differently and are given different opportunities. Some people are given VIP status by virtue of their looks, job, nationality or wealth, while others have to contend with getting whatever they can.

In Psalm 138, King David praises God for his equal treatment of people regardless of their position in society. Kings and the homeless alike praise him. No-one has to wait in line to see God, and no amount of pride can remove that VIP status.

You are a very important person to God. He will listen to you at all times, and his decisions are never clouded by prejudice.

Dear Lord, how wonderful it is to know that you are with me at all times, and that your love for me won’t change. Amen.

by Jörg Ernst, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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