“Treasured”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Psalm 119:121-144 (Forward, p. 55) CEV p. 632
In his famous 1891 short story, “A Scandal in Bohemia”, Conan Doyle’s famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, makes use of a common human trait, namely that in a time of perceived danger people will seek out to save whatever it is in their lives that is more precious to them, whatever is most treasured. Thus, by the subterfuge of a pretended fire, he forced his antagonist, the opera singer and actress, Irene Adler, to reveal where she kept a treasured photograph. Undoubtedly and understandably, this photograph was treasured by her as a safeguard against the machinations of a certain kingly gentleman. This entirely makes sense.
However, it does not make any sense at all what some people have chosen to safeguard at times of extreme peril. Researchers have kept an inventory of some of these things and some of the choices are downright weird and unexpected. Saving pets or photos or photo albums can well be expected but not some of the other choices—such as taking along a portable appliance that requires electricity when all the power is out.
In today’s Scripture portion, part of the very long Psalm 119, we find that the psalmist has one thing, and one thing only, that he treasures. It is God’s word or laws. About them, he says:
“Your laws mean more to me than the finest gold. I follow all your commandments, but I have anyone who leads me astray” (verses 127-128);
“Your teachings are wonderful, and I respect them all. Understanding your word brings light to the minds of ordinary people. I honestly want to know everything you teach” (verses 129-131);
“All your teachings are true and trustworthy” (verse 138);
“Your word to me, your servant, is like pure gold: I treasure what you say” (verse 140);
“You will always do right, and your teachings are true. I am in deep distress, but I love your teachings” (verses 142-143);
And so, in light of the amazing preciousness of God’s word and laws and teachings, our psalmist asks three things of God:
-firstly, he asks God to each him His laws (verses 124, 135). He describes this as being instances of God’s love & favour;
-secondly, he implores God to help him understand His teachings (verses 125, 144). This, the psalmist says, is a prerequisite to living life properly and serving God faithfully;
-and finally, he prays for protection and help in keeping God’s word and God’s laws. He knows how easy it is to be led astray (v. 128) and how perilous times (abuse) can ‘get in the way’, impede us from obeying (verse 134).
To me, this begs a question, namely, what is most precious to us? What is it that we treasure above all else? Is it God’s word or law or teachings? And, if not, why not? And, if we claim that these things are precious to us, treasured, do we really spend the time to learn, understand and obey them?
And, stemming from this first question, another one demands an answer: if God’s word is not the most precious thing in our lives, then what is? And, is this thing—or person—really that precious, that valued, that much of a treasure in the long run? Great things to think about, today and always. Amen.
Forward notes: “Steady my footsteps in your word; let no iniquity have dominion over me” (verse 133).
“The answer to the questions asked of us at baptism is not, ‘We will,’ but ‘We will, with God’s help.’ The composers of that liturgy understood that as sincerely as we wish to follow God and live blameless lives, we can’t do so under our own power. We should expect to fail.
“Knowing that we will fail is not an invitation to sin, but that knowledge should encourage us to get back up when we stumble—without beating ourselves up. Better to learn from our mistakes, confess our sins, be assured of God’s pardon, and ask God’s help in steadying our footsteps and defending us from the power of sin.”
MOVING FORWARD: “Did you know that Forward Movement has an active ministry in providing free resources to prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes? Learn more and support this work at ForwardMovement.org/donate.”