When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. – Psalm 146:4

Today’s Scripture Reading (February 13, 2012): Psalm 146

For most of our history we have displayed a propensity for creating gods. It is as if there is something deep inside of us that acknowledges that there has to be something beyond us. Even in our modern culture, as advanced as we think that we are, we continue to find ways to explain away those feelings deep inside of us – the feeling that there must be something more.

But maybe one of the biggest surprises is where we try to find the unknown God. Finding god in the sun, or in the wind, or in the majesty of the mountains I can understand. They seem so far beyond us. But the notion that somehow I will become God doesn’t seem to ring true to me no matter what some religions might tell me. I also have never really understood the deifying of Kings. Julius Caesar was deified, and a temple was built in his honor and people came and worshipped. And, maybe, I can understand a little the people’s need to remember him, especially after all of his accomplishments. He was, after all, the most powerful person that the world knew at that time – and to others he might have seemed like a god. But did Julius himself really believe that he was a god.

Caligula did claim that he was god, and demanded that he be worshiped as one. But Caligula was also a great example of an insane king. And the fact that he thought he was god just seems to prove the point.

For all of the kings that thought they were something more than just human, the Psalmist acts as a prophet. Every god that has ever lived shares in this outcome – their spirits depart, their bodies return to the ground, and their plans come to nothing. Every god, that is, except for one. The plans of Jesus are still being acted upon. And it may be slow, in fact sometimes those of us who bear his name have misunderstood or lost sight of Jesus’ goals. But the world is becoming a better place - we are making advances in AIDS and stupid poverty is slowly being eliminated – at least partially because the ones that bear the name of Christ are working with him to accomplish his plan.

Maybe the most amazing thing is that he is still assisting us with the task – and that was something that the worshipers of Julius Caesar could only dream about. And that is something that we all need to remember – and to live out.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalm 147