Why, O Lord…?

AM Psalm 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30 • PM Psalm 119:121-144
Isa 63:15-64:9 • 1 Tim. 3:1-16 • Mark 11:27-12:12

Have you ever been in an argument in which you blamed the other person for “making you” get upset with them? (“It’s not MY fault…YOU made me do this to you!”) One of the first things we learn in 12-Step programs is that we are only responsible for our own behavior – we have no control over what others do (or think or feel…) – yet we often try to shift the blame to re-direct the focus away from our own shortcomings.

In today’s reading from Isaiah, titled “A Prayer of Penitence,” the author writes, “Why, O Lord, do you make us stray from your ways and harden our heart, so that we do not fear you?” (63:17) The orator blames God for the people losing their way and becoming disobedient. “But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself, we transgressed.” (v. 64:5) I can hear the people blaming God like a child blames a parent, "You weren't here to tell us ‘no,’ so we messed up. It's really all your fault"

The author of this prayer seems more focused on asking “Why did you leave us?” than addressing the more challenging question, “Why did we ignore you?” Not surprising, as it is often easier to point fingers at others than to take a hard look at our own role in the situation. But just as we must eventually face the consequences of our actions, admit when we were wrong, and ask forgiveness, the penitence that the author is seeking is eloquently expressed in these closing verses…

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O, Lord, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people. (Isaiah 64:9)

Written by Shannon Dillard Mitchell

...who is exceedingly grateful for God’s grace and capacity for forgiveness.