The God Who Sees – In our summer look at psalms, today we are considering Psalm 94, and we read it as a call-and-response reading with the congregation.  In some ways it is a shocking psalm, crying out for God’s judgment on the wicked, those who oppress God’s people, but it is certainly appropriate for us to read for Justice Sunday.  Carol begins her sermon by considering the separation of church and state, citing times in history when church support for a particular king or group was injurious, when people of faith want to be in power.  But there have also been significant times when the church has held leaders accountable and have advocated for the oppressed.  Throughout the Bible, beginning with the Ten Commandments, we are called on to care for the widow and the orphan.  Jesus was the prime example, spending time with those who were outcasts.  Psalm 94 cries out to God because the leaders of the people are unjust and there are many who are suffering.  We are called to look at our society through the lens of God’s heart.  The writer of Psalm 94 turns toward God’s justice.  What might we do as a church together to forward God’s desire for justice, love, and hope? 

(NOTE:  Emphasizing the importance of the Word, the video begins with the scripture reading, but if you want, you can scroll back to the beginning of the service in the video – the entire service is available.)