The belief that there is one and only one God (monotheism) is one of the foundational truths of biblical faith.  For millennia, Jews have recited the words of Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one.”  This affirmation of faith begins the prayers that are said by faithful Jews twice a day.

Monotheism did not always prevail in Israel.  It developed over time.  For many years, prophets in Israel called the people of God away from the worship of other gods. 

But did you know the story of what happened to the other gods?  They died.  Yes, you can read about it in Psalm 82.  The psalm depicts a scene of judgment in which the Most High God tries the other gods and this is their sentence:

“I say, ‘You are gods, children of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless you shall die like mortals and fall like any prince.’” (Psalm 82:6-7)

You might ask yourself:  what got these gods in so much trouble that God took away their immortality and made them subject to death like us mortals?

The reason they lost their rights and privileges as sons of god is that they did not do justice.  They allowed for the wicked to prosper and did not uphold the weak, the needy, the orphan, the lowly and destitute.  Therefore, the judgment of the Most High God fell on them.

What makes us think that we can get away with something for which even the gods were punished?

Prayer:  Holy God, forgive our indifference to the fate of the powerless, the poor and the oppressed.  Grant us your tender compassion and fierce passion for justice.  Amen.