From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. – Psalm 113:3

Today’s Scripture Reading (June 14, 2016): Psalm 113 & 114

O. J. Simpson - 2016

A new photograph has been released by Nevada Department of corrections of O. J. Simpson. Apparently the photo is a maintenance photo as the Department of Corrections tries to keep up to date information (and photographs) of all of its inmates. But the release of the photo seems at least a little suspicious. There has been a renewed interest in O.J. Simpson of late, partially because of the release of the FX Television Series American Crime Story: The People V OJ Simpson. Some friends have pondered the possibility of Simpson’s early release from prison next year, wondering if the former football star might even finally admit to murder of his wife Nicole Brown Simpson (because of Double Jeopardy, he cannot be tried again for the murder no  matter what he might say) upon his release from prison. Fueling this rumor were descriptions of Simpson in jail, depressed and suffering from tremendous weight gain.

Enter the picture. The new prison photo shows a smiling, silver-haired O. J. Simpson looking really quite healthy for a man in prison at the age of 68. It is as if someone who knew Simpson decided that the rumor of the depressed O. J. needed to be squashed and so they went out and took the picture and released it to the media. Why listen to rumor and innuendo when someone who knows O. J. is willing to snap a picture and share the truth?

The psalmist pleads with those who know God to do the exact same thing. Don’t let the image of God be defined by his enemies or those who do not know him. May those who know God best lift up and praise his name. It is those who know him best that need to describe God’s character. When the world asks you why you have a hope for the future, may the words that proceed from your mouth draw a picture of the God of that hope. Because if you won’t, who will. An accurate description is only available from those who know.

It is time to end the rumors about God. “From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same. The name of the Lord shall be praised.”

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalm 115