"May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame. May they be like grass on the roof, which withers before it can grow; a reaper cannot fill his hands with it, nor one who gathers fill his arms."

Psalm 129:5-7

This psalm is one of the series known as ‘Songs of Ascent,’ probably sung by pilgrims entering Jerusalem for one of the festivals, such as Passover, or climbing the steps to the temple. First, it gives a highly truncated version of the oppressed history of the nation of Israel, ending with a triumphant celebration of their freedom delivered by a righteous God. Then it’s the turn of those who doled out the oppression. The psalm compares them to that grass on the roof. They are shameful and beyond reckoning (v. 5), transient (v. 6), non-productive (v. 7), and friendless (v. 😎.

How do we respond to those who cause us worry, stress. and pain? The psalms frequently hold nothing back in their demands for justice and revenge. This is a perfect example. Jesus gives a modified, maybe more constructive, approach: ‘love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’. Rather than annihilation, our hope is for transformation.

Apply

Think of three people with whom you have relationship problems. Pray for them in an honest way, acknowledging the issues and praying for them in a way which benefits them.

Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank you for the reconciliation that is mine in you. ‘Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury pardon’ (edited from the book Encounter with God)