“Longevity”

By Rev. Michael Stonhouse

Meditation – Monday, December 11, 2023

Psalm 15 (Forward, p. 43) CEV p. 562

Longevity, lasting power: these are things that probably most of us want, whether that be with regards to our health or our careers or our relationships or anything else. However, our psalmist, identified as David, puts a different ‘spin’ on it. He speaks of longevity or lasting power in terms of two other things. Firstly, he talks about it in terms of our relationship with God, our abiding in His presence. And secondly, he talks about it in terms of I take as being about our moral standing—which, certainly, must relate to our standing with God.

What is more, David also relates what actions he thinks will contribute to this longevity, this lasting power. It is quite informative what things he mentions:

-obedience to God, doing as God requires, which only makes sense;

those that are blameless;

-speaking the truth rather than gossiping or slandering others;

-treating others fairly and not saying cruel things about them;

-honouring and showing respect for those who worship God but

rejecting and despising those that are wicked;

-keeping their promises, no matter what the cost;

-lending money without exacting interest from the borrower;

-never taking brides to hurt the innocent

In this listing, we have a curious, but rather informative, jumble of suggestions, ones that have to do both with God and with our fellow human beings. But then, does this not only stand to reason? We are to love both God and our neighbour. And surely, would this not also be the secret to both a proper moral standing and a spiritual one as well? Thanks be to God. Amen.

Forward notes: “Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? Who may abide upon your holy hill?” (verse 1).

Commemoration: Frederick Howden, Jr.

“Today we remember the Rev. Frederick Howden Jr., chaplain to American soldiers in World War II. He endured the Bataan Death March, helping soldiers pray, and often gave his food to others who were hungry. He died in a prison camp on this day in 1942.

“As a way to honour Howden’s witness and legacy, I invite you to contemplate his life. Think about what it means for a priest who carried no weapons to pray for those who must. Think of the suffering he witnessed. Ponder about how these experiences must have shaped his faith and challenged the ways he knew of leading prayer. Think of the love he showed for all those he helped.”

Moving Forward: “What challenges and opportunities do you think military chaplains face? Include them in your prayers this week.”