DRY GRASS

Living roofs have become something of a fashion among conservation-minded folk. Instead of a slate or stone covering to a building, there is a layer of growing medium, planted with grasses, sedums, and wildflowers. A living roof is beneficial to wildlife, aids water runoff management, and is good insulation. However, it does have its drawbacks. Because the growing medium is shallow, it dries out very easily (does this remind you of a parable Jesus told?) and the plants die. Also, it is no use for growing the year’s vegetable crop, as the roots cannot develop.

This psalm is one of the series known as ‘Songs of Ascent,’ probably sung by pilgrims entering Jerusalem for one of the festivals, such as Passover, or climbing the steps to the temple. First, it gives a highly truncated version of the oppressed history of the nation of Israel, ending with a triumphant celebration of their freedom delivered by a righteous God. Then it’s the turn of those who doled out the oppression. The psalm compares them to that grass on the roof. They are shameful and beyond reckoning (v. 5), transient (v. 6), non-productive (v. 7), and friendless (v. 8).

How do we respond to those who cause us worry, stress. and pain? The psalms frequently hold nothing back in their demands for justice and revenge. This is a perfect example. Jesus gives a modified, maybe more constructive, approach: ‘love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’.1 Rather than annihilation, our hope is for transformation.

Think of three people with whom you have relationship problems. Pray for them in an honest way, acknowledging the issues and praying for them in a way which benefits them.