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Make haste to answer me!

‘Make haste to answer me!’ Psalm 69.7-18 (NRSVA)

This psalm has been a source of inspiration ever since it was first composed. Jesus’ disciples remembered verse 9 when he got upset with the moneychangers in the Temple at Jerusalem. ‘Zeal for God’s house has consumed him,’ they thought, (John 2.17). A similar zeal has consumed generations of Methodists so it’s ironic that we now find ourselves locked out of our much loved church buildings. Many people continue to put their hope in worship life returning to normal again, while others hope that perhaps we shall rethink what ‘God’s house’ really means.

Paul quotes the same verse in Romans 15.3, when he says that the Roman Christians should ‘build up’ or encourage their neighbours because ‘the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’ But he’s not saying that when people think ill of them this reflects badly on him. He hardly knew them. He’s saying that this verse applies to Jesus himself. When people insult Jesus, those insults also fall on us, and vice versa.

Like Jeremiah and Jesus, the psalmist has felt the full force of Micah’s prophecy that faithfulness to God can bring sharp division from those we love, even within families. ‘I have become a stranger to my kindred, an alien to my brothers and sisters,’ says the psalmist. This isn’t unusual. Family members can often grow apart as they develop different aspirations. But the psalmist’s radical obedience to God has completely alienated their family, making them the butt of gossip, insults and coarse songs, causing their loved ones to feel ashamed of them in a culture where shame was felt very deeply.

The psalmist can only respond by doubling down on their commitment to God. ‘As for me, my prayer is to you… In the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me.’ Even in the face of so much trouble, the psalmist is sure that help will come. Before he or she sinks into the quicksand or is overwhelmed by the flood, before death can swallow them up, the psalmist prays, ‘Do not hide your face from your servant, for I am in distress - make haste to answer me.’ A fitting prayer for a time of pandemic!

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