‘God of the poor, friend of the weak …’
Graham Kendricks hymn ‘God of the poor’ (beauty for brokenness), reflects something of the heart of God that we see in this Psalm, written by Asaph.
Asaph was a kind of musical director, who wrote (at least 11) Psalms as worship songs. His name means ‘gatherer of people’. That’s what he did, he wrote in order that Gods gathered people could sing and in singing learn more about the God they worship. Find out more about Asaph in 1 and 2 Chronicles.
In v.2 Asaph calls out those who defend injustice and wrongdoing. The ‘gods’ are the leaders of the people who exalt themselves. They are corrupt (v.2) and have no foundation or sense of the true God (v.4,5). Instead of defending the cause of the poor, they promote wickedness.
The NT reminds us that as God’s people we should be concerned about issues of justice and the poor. See James 2:14-17. New York Pastor Tim Keller [1950-2023], reflects that:
‘God is committed to justice because … he identifies with the poor … He became a poor human being who died on the cross, (from a human perspective) a victim of human injustice.’
God of the poor
Friend of the weak
Give us compassion we pray
Melt our cold hearts
Let tears fall like rain
Come, change our love
From a spark to a flame
Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1993 Make Way Music,
www.grahamkendrick.co.uk
Andy