Can we handle the truth?
by Anne Hansen
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God presides over heaven’s court; he pronounces judgement on the heavenly beings (Psalm 82:1).
Read Psalm 82
I remember the first time I saw the Tom Cruise movie A Few Good Men. What struck me initially was the scene in the courtroom where it appears Tom Cruise has been bested by the Jack Nicholson character, Colonel Jessep, when he says the iconic line: ‘You can’t handle the truth!’ It seems that here the conflict comes to a head as it wrestles to determine between morality and duty. Colonel Jessep rationalises that people must be sacrificed so that the law can be maintained. I won’t spoil the ending for those who haven’t seen the movie – I do recommend it!
Here in Psalm 82, the scene is also set in a courtroom with God as the judge. He sits in judgement against corrupt rulers and judges who fail to care for those in need. It describes a divine council where God confronts ‘beings’ (these can be seen as lesser gods, deities or earthly rulers). God brings them to justice for their failure to uphold justice and protect the poor, oppressed, weak and needy. It reminds us also to care for those who are in need and less fortunate.
This is a very different psalm from many others, as it lacks praise, thanksgiving, confession or lament. Instead, it is God speaking to us. He has gathered all the ‘judges’ to give judgement against them. The God of heaven and earth is greater than any ‘god’ or ruler on earth, and at the end of times, they also will be judged for how they have treated their people/countries. Social justice is God’s cause, and he will uphold it. God will complete his work when he comes again to ‘judge the living and the dead’. There is only one God, and he works for the justice and peace of the kingdom on earth.
This truth I can handle!
May your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Guide our governments and those in authority to lead and direct with equity, love and care for all who are vulnerable and in need. Amen.
For 19 years, Anne has been the Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer. She lives in Noosa with her husband, Mark (a pastor), has three grown children – Jonah, Christian and Emma – and is a proud new mother-in-law to Brooke. She enjoys walking, reading, gardening and playing pickleball.
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