The passing of D. James Kennedy, well known speaker and TV pastor, brought the eleventh Psalm to mind.
Confronted by not only personal crisis but a general crumbling of societal strength and character upon which to draw at such times, David might well have become tempted to withdraw from his surroundings and simply leave the world to its own devices. Such, indeed, was the advice of his friends. Paraphrased, their reasoning went something like this: "Why not face the facts, David, and look after your own needs and interests? Society at large is increasingly bent on violence, corruption and irresponsibility and you are not going to change anything. Indeed, 'If the foundations are torn down, what can the just man do?' So why not be pragmatic about it and just 'flee to your mountain like a bird'" (Psa. 11:1-3)?
There are times, particularly when the struggle becomes long and wearying, that such mindset can exert a certain appeal and seeming sense of logic. The Psalmist's answer to it all is that despite present circumstances, God is still sovereign and evil shall one day meet its match (vv. 4-6). In the meantime, "the LORD is just, He loves just deeds; the upright shall see his face" (vs. 7). David will continue on.
Thankfully, there are those today who, despite undoubted times of discouragement, harassment and political opposition nonetheless continue the fight for righteousness and commitment to biblical values in a society rapidly descending into a state of moral and spiritual anarchy. Such a one was James Kennedy.
He will be missed.
Burl Ratzsch
