Lives in the Balance

Jim:

1 Samuel 2:1b-10
This text contains what is called the Song of Hannah. A portion of verse 3 says that “by (God) actions are weighed.” The verses that follow go on to show how God reverses the fortunes of the weak and poor, the hungry and needy, with images—pairs and opposites––that show the balances or scales of justice being adjusted in favor of those in need. “The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts” (verses 4-7). Shirley Guthrie, in his book Christian Doctrine, says that while human justice is often personified by a woman wearing a blindfold, to indicate that justice is blind, there is no such blindness in the case of God. The Song of Hannah rejoices that God is deliberately on the side of the poor and distressed. Actions have been weighed and those who have tended only to their own needs, who have benefited at the expense of others, have seen their lives corrected.

Titus 2:1-10
Luke 1:26-38
While I personally take issue with the words of Titus calling on young women to be submissive to their husbands and for slaves to be submissive to their masters, I take Mary’s words in Luke 1:38 to provide some understanding. “Then Mary said, ‘Here ma I, the servant of the Lord, let it be with me according to your word.’” For me the point is humility before God. Indeed, if the community of faith and each individual in it would “walk humbly” with God (Micah 6)––as Mary is prepared to do––then there would be no need for submission and certainly no place for slavery. The community would become what God intends it to be, mutually beneficial, guided by love, respect, and regard one for another. The balances and scales would be level, and all would live in peace.