Date Published: 08/18/2009
One of the pivotal issues in the discussion of health care reform is the appropriate role for government to play. I certainly not going to suggest I know what Congress should do, but a couple of lines in Psalm 146 suggest themes that permeate Scripture seem to me to stimulate the kind of thinking people of faith need to wrestle with.
Verse 3 says, “Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help.” On the one hand, we need to recognize that the government (whether an ancient monarchy or a contemporary democracy) is not God and cannot meet our most important needs. Expecting that any government (or business) could come up with a solution to all health problems is unrealistic. Conversely, fear of government (or business) spawned catastrophe exposes a lack of faith in God.
Verses 7-9 speak of God as one “who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow.” Scripture consistently speaks of God’s special concern for the poor, the weak, the outcast and repeatedly instructs godly rulers to reflect God’s heart by promoting justice and compassion for these folk. (See Deuteronomy 17:14-20)
I think these themes suggest two questions to ponder as we seek and pray for God’s hand in our current national discussion. By meditating on the space between these we can encounter the heart of God.
1. How do we keep from overplaying the role of government (good and bad) in our own lives, the lives of our neighbors, and the well being of the people of our country?
2. How do we encourage our society (not just government) to care and insure justice for the weakest and most vulnerable among us?
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