Does God care?

When things aren't going our way; when we are confronted with horrendous suffering - it is natural to ask does God care? The answer from today's passage is a resounding YES.

May all kings bow down to himand all nations serve him.For he will deliver the needy who cry out,the afflicted who have no one to help.He will take pity on the weak and the needyand save the needy from death.He will rescue them from oppression and violence,for precious is their blood in his sight.Psalm 72:11-14

This passage speaks about one who is compassionate, who hears our cries, takes pity upon us and who ultimately saves. However, it also is honest about death. And lets face it - that is what we fear the most, and if God can't save us from that, what does it matter if he is compassionate? This passage speaks about one who is King. Actually, one who is the King of Kings. In the big story of the bible we know this King to be Jesus. And when we look at him, we discover what it truly means for God to be compassionate and to save us from death. King Jesus did not avoid pain, suffering and death. He submitted himself to them all - even death! But that is not the end of the story, His heart beats now. He is alive. He has defeated death. His victory is the hope that we know in the midst of the fear we face today. We can't avoid suffering. We will not escape death. Yet they do not have the final word. This passage is also call to action. That begins by bowing down to Jesus, the King of Kings. That means serving him, by showing love and compassion to the needy, weak and helpless. To show dignity to the dead and dying. To love as he loves. How does this Psalm, encourage and challenge you today?