Psalm 41: Betrayed by a Friend

Scripture:      Psalm 41, John 13:1-20
Focus:           Even my good friend, the one I trusted, who shared my food, has kicked me with his heel—a betrayer! ~Psalm 41:9

Commentary:  Psalm 41 is the prayer of a person who is ill and crying out for mercy. It illustrates the core Israelite theology of the times. If you are sick and suffering, you have sinned. God will not offer mercy nor heal you until you have confessed your sin. It is a common theology in some circles even today because it makes sense in a transactional society.  However, this type of thinking leaves no room for grace. And grace is our calling.

The book of Job introduces a dissonant counterbalance to challenge the belief that God has a scorecard upon which our blessings are based. Just as the psalmist feels betrayed, Job feels betrayed by his friends’ lack of sympathy and their accusations of sin. 

Jesus tells us that someone would betray him and with that act, fulfill scripture.  Judas, a disciple, a close follower and friend, betrayed Jesus with a kiss.  This is hard to reconcile.  Why did you do this?

Reflection:  When a friend, a family member or a lover betrays us, we wonder how we could have been so wrong. How have you been betrayed by someone you thought you could trust?  How did that feel?  Was this person ever truly your friend?  Were you able to get beyond the betrayal ... to offer grace?

If music is a spiritual pathway for you, listen to Amazing Grace sung by Celtic Women (YouTube)

Breath Prayer for the Day:      
Breathing in … Jesus, my friend    
Breathing out … my heart aches for you