Psalm 72

For he delivers the needy when they call,
the poor and those who have no helper.
He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the lives of the needy.
From oppression and violence he redeems their life;
and precious is their blood in his sight.

Walking by the Occupy Los Angeles and Occupy San Francisco camps (above), I have been aware of smiling.

It has been a happy and heart-felt smile.

What is translated above as needy is the Hebrew אֶבְיוֹן or 'ebyown: vulnerable, oppressed, poor, powerless would all be reasonable translations.

Despite the place of fear, anger, and uncertainty, the Occupy Movement also represents an amazing confidence in the possibility of justice.

Leaderless and notoriously vague, the Occupiers share their vulnerability with us, expecting a redemptive response.

It is an extraordinary expectation and invitation.

To redeem is also to save, deliver, and liberate. It is almost certainly true that the targets of the Occupiers protest are also in need of liberation.

Psalm 72