Praise God the Creator, the God of Israel

Text: Psalm 147:12-20

Reflection and Question: In the Septuagint, the Hebrew Bible translated into Greek that was used by Jews in the Diaspora for centuries in the ancient world, these verses of Psalm 147 were a separate psalm. This wonderful poetry of praise weaves together both the inclusive God, who creates all things, like snow and hail, and the exclusive God, who gave statutes and laws only to Israel. I bow to God who is able to be opposites at the same time, knowing that this holding of paradox is beyond human ability. How can God be inclusive and exclusive at the same time?

Prayer: Praise God, O Jerusalem! Praise God, O Zion! For God strengthens the bars of your gates; God blesses your children within you. God grants peace within your borders; God fills you with the finest wheat. Praise God! Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).