Psalm 17
The poet begins here with an expression of innocence that is not simply self-righteousness before God but an honest plea of innocence in the face of slanderous attack from others. His language intensifies and accelerates in pace as he is caught up in the emotion of this, through a description of his enemies, to the point of rashly calling on God to strike them down. But then he seems to get himself together at verse 14, and seeks to identify his cause with that of the Lord himself, who upholds the right and brings justice that rectifies imbalances (verse 14b).
Whatever has happened, God’s purpose through the poet’s circumstances perhaps emerges in the very last verse. The psalmist seeks God’s “face” – the experience of his presence. This is no momentary devotional time, but we leave him at the end of the psalm as he is about to enter into a night of presence with God – either by entrusting the night to him to work in his heart, having spilled everything out to him – or, more likely and more precisely, by spending the night in the temple in anticipation of some special experience of divine presence, a theophany, a vision if you like. This means, further, that he has got past only blaming external factors for his condition, but taking ownership (as we say now) of that experience, and seeing it as a matter to be dealt with in his heart.
Great wisdom is brought out at the end: It is not necessary, or wise, for him simply to bury the external issues and internalize everything; but there is also the recognition that he can never have peace unless he chooses how to respond to the crap (as also we would say now) in his life, with God’s help.
Prayer:
Lord, there are always things beyond our direct control that weigh on us and on how things go for us. Help us deal with them responsibly and without recrimination against those we may see as part of that. Even more, may we deal with the stuff of life after your own pattern, taking it all and shaping it for your purposes. Through it all may we recognize that you are seeking to grow us and make us more truly yours. Through Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
No Good Thing?
Psalm 16
Is this poetic exaggeration?
“You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing” (emphasis mine)?
Nothing? Is there really no good thing apart from the Lord? I think we have to say this is not exaggeration, not for people who know the Lord. Once you believe and place the Lord on the throne of your life, you are like Paul the Apostle, who counted everything as trash for the sake of knowing Jesus (Philippians 3:8). Paul was an educated, cultured guy. He had a lot going for him. And yet, compared to Christ, everything else was garbage.
That’s the key. We can’t expect the world apart from Christ to get this. And I want to remind myself that there is a lot that is good in the world and in people, from a human point of view. There are lots of people without faith who do good in this world. As I noted in this forum before, I am not better than another because of my relationship with Jesus. I am better than I would be without him. Only God is good. But his goodness is so great that it spills over onto all who will accept him and his goodness, and he has more than enough goodness for all of us.
The rest of the psalm celebrates that, trusting in God alone, we can count on him for absolutely everything.
Prayer:
God, thanks that I can put all my trust in you. I will lack nothing by trusting in you. I cannot fail as I commit to your purposes. You will reward me in this world and eternally even though the reward is not deserved and is a result of your own goodness beyond any measure I can even dream of. Thank you. In Jesus. Amen.
Is this poetic exaggeration?
“You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing” (emphasis mine)?
Nothing? Is there really no good thing apart from the Lord? I think we have to say this is not exaggeration, not for people who know the Lord. Once you believe and place the Lord on the throne of your life, you are like Paul the Apostle, who counted everything as trash for the sake of knowing Jesus (Philippians 3:8). Paul was an educated, cultured guy. He had a lot going for him. And yet, compared to Christ, everything else was garbage.
That’s the key. We can’t expect the world apart from Christ to get this. And I want to remind myself that there is a lot that is good in the world and in people, from a human point of view. There are lots of people without faith who do good in this world. As I noted in this forum before, I am not better than another because of my relationship with Jesus. I am better than I would be without him. Only God is good. But his goodness is so great that it spills over onto all who will accept him and his goodness, and he has more than enough goodness for all of us.
The rest of the psalm celebrates that, trusting in God alone, we can count on him for absolutely everything.
Prayer:
God, thanks that I can put all my trust in you. I will lack nothing by trusting in you. I cannot fail as I commit to your purposes. You will reward me in this world and eternally even though the reward is not deserved and is a result of your own goodness beyond any measure I can even dream of. Thank you. In Jesus. Amen.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Be Prepared for Worship
Psalm 15
The psalm reflects the observation made throughout Scripture that unethical behaviour with other people is inconsistent with worshiping the Lord. How can we profess to love the Lord while we slander our neighbour or harbour ill thoughts about that person? We can’t.
The question the psalm raises for me concerns the order of things. The psalm would suggest we have to have everything ethically peachy first. The psalm seems to be talking about priests or others who live and work in the temple (verse 1). But we would make no distinction now, if ever, between standards of behaviour on the part of Christians and their leaders in the church, would we? Leaders are under special scrutiny, and are held to account to a greater degree than others, but is the actual behaviour of committed Christians to be any less responsible? I hardly think so. So my question is, do any of us – speaking of the order of things – ever come together in our faith community worship and activities with our walk “blameless” (verse 2)? No.
Where does that leave us? I think it leaves us looking honestly at the direction of our hearts. When I come to God in prayer, either on my own or physically together with other believers (we should never think of prayer being entirely private – we always pray as part of a community), we include prayer for that person who bugs us – and not just that they will shape up! We ask God to examine our hearts (Psalm 139), we ask in his presence if we are growing in him. If all believers then approached their worship together having made that kind of preparation, I submit that it would make a noticeable difference in the spirit of our coming together and in our observable worship, assuming also that everyone who has responsibility for what happens strives for excellence in their part and their leadership: preaching, music, drama, earnestness of prayer, whatever. That would increase our honouring of the Lord, help to tend to our need for growth in him, and provide a more compelling witness to those who come into our presence seeking the Lord without even maybe knowing what or whom they are seeking. They will get a sense of him because of the love and honour directed toward him, and shared amongst those who so honour him.
Prayer:
Lord, I do lots of preparation for preaching and leading worship. What kind of preparation do I model for just worshipping? Surely those of us who presume to lead can do so only out of our own worshipping. Help us all to consider how we can better prepare for worship together. In Christ. Amen.
The psalm reflects the observation made throughout Scripture that unethical behaviour with other people is inconsistent with worshiping the Lord. How can we profess to love the Lord while we slander our neighbour or harbour ill thoughts about that person? We can’t.
The question the psalm raises for me concerns the order of things. The psalm would suggest we have to have everything ethically peachy first. The psalm seems to be talking about priests or others who live and work in the temple (verse 1). But we would make no distinction now, if ever, between standards of behaviour on the part of Christians and their leaders in the church, would we? Leaders are under special scrutiny, and are held to account to a greater degree than others, but is the actual behaviour of committed Christians to be any less responsible? I hardly think so. So my question is, do any of us – speaking of the order of things – ever come together in our faith community worship and activities with our walk “blameless” (verse 2)? No.
Where does that leave us? I think it leaves us looking honestly at the direction of our hearts. When I come to God in prayer, either on my own or physically together with other believers (we should never think of prayer being entirely private – we always pray as part of a community), we include prayer for that person who bugs us – and not just that they will shape up! We ask God to examine our hearts (Psalm 139), we ask in his presence if we are growing in him. If all believers then approached their worship together having made that kind of preparation, I submit that it would make a noticeable difference in the spirit of our coming together and in our observable worship, assuming also that everyone who has responsibility for what happens strives for excellence in their part and their leadership: preaching, music, drama, earnestness of prayer, whatever. That would increase our honouring of the Lord, help to tend to our need for growth in him, and provide a more compelling witness to those who come into our presence seeking the Lord without even maybe knowing what or whom they are seeking. They will get a sense of him because of the love and honour directed toward him, and shared amongst those who so honour him.
Prayer:
Lord, I do lots of preparation for preaching and leading worship. What kind of preparation do I model for just worshipping? Surely those of us who presume to lead can do so only out of our own worshipping. Help us all to consider how we can better prepare for worship together. In Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The Fool
Psalm 14
The understanding of fools here are the tyrants, those in power who ‘devour my people’ (verse 4). They use their power for self-elevating purposes, at the expense of those whose well-being is entrusted to them. At their own peril they ignore the power and authority of the Lord, even that there is a Lord over them (verse 1).
It is imperative to note that this is not a slap at people who just don’t believe in God. There is no room for arrogance on the part of the believer because of his or her belief. Believers are not better people than others. Believers are better people than they would be if they were not believers.
Meanwhile there are lots of fools in today’s world, in the meaning that is meant in this psalm. They need our prayers, as do the people who suffer because of them.
Prayer:
As I pray for others, Lord, make me mind my own path, lest I stumble. In Christ. Amen.
The understanding of fools here are the tyrants, those in power who ‘devour my people’ (verse 4). They use their power for self-elevating purposes, at the expense of those whose well-being is entrusted to them. At their own peril they ignore the power and authority of the Lord, even that there is a Lord over them (verse 1).
It is imperative to note that this is not a slap at people who just don’t believe in God. There is no room for arrogance on the part of the believer because of his or her belief. Believers are not better people than others. Believers are better people than they would be if they were not believers.
Meanwhile there are lots of fools in today’s world, in the meaning that is meant in this psalm. They need our prayers, as do the people who suffer because of them.
Prayer:
As I pray for others, Lord, make me mind my own path, lest I stumble. In Christ. Amen.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
In Your Face
Psalm 13
Do you find there to be a kind of quiet distress when you have trouble picturing the face of someone from whom you are apart, or who has passed from this world for some time? There is something about being able to see a loved one’s face that is very reassuring. You may have the photograph(s) of (a) loved one(s) within sight from where you are right now.
In his state of feeling put-upon by a combination of inner tensions and external pressures (verse 2), the poet in Psalm 13 experiences the absence of the face of God (verse 1). So he asks the Lord to ‘look on’ him, and give light to his eyes (verse 3). In other words, he can’t see the Lord directly, but he prays for assurance that the Lord is looking on him. He evidently receives this assurance and concludes in praise.
The thought is reminiscent of the ‘Aaronic blessing’, which the Lord gave to Moses, to give to Aaron, with which to bless the people:
The LORD bless you
and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Prayer:
Lord, I cannot see your face. I don’t know if that even makes sense. But you see me and look upon me with your grace-eyes, and I may know that grace because of Jesus. Let it be enough for me that you see me, especially like that. In Jesus. Amen.
Do you find there to be a kind of quiet distress when you have trouble picturing the face of someone from whom you are apart, or who has passed from this world for some time? There is something about being able to see a loved one’s face that is very reassuring. You may have the photograph(s) of (a) loved one(s) within sight from where you are right now.
In his state of feeling put-upon by a combination of inner tensions and external pressures (verse 2), the poet in Psalm 13 experiences the absence of the face of God (verse 1). So he asks the Lord to ‘look on’ him, and give light to his eyes (verse 3). In other words, he can’t see the Lord directly, but he prays for assurance that the Lord is looking on him. He evidently receives this assurance and concludes in praise.
The thought is reminiscent of the ‘Aaronic blessing’, which the Lord gave to Moses, to give to Aaron, with which to bless the people:
The LORD bless you
and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Prayer:
Lord, I cannot see your face. I don’t know if that even makes sense. But you see me and look upon me with your grace-eyes, and I may know that grace because of Jesus. Let it be enough for me that you see me, especially like that. In Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
The Stewardship of Words
Psalm 12
You could have a lively debate on what starts revolutions. Is it despotism? Unrest? Ideas? Education? Somewhere along the line words are critical.
Powerful leaders, for good or for ill, are great with words. The right word at the right time could actually save someone’s life, or just make their day. The wrong words in the wrong spirit can cause damage between people that is irreparable for years, if ever.
The curious phrase the psalmist quotes as from lying enemies – “We own our lips” – made me think how just the opposite is true. Language is a part of the created order and, as such, is a matter of stewardship. According to Genesis, language has a role in connecting us with the rest of the created order:
Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. – Genesis 2:19-20a.
Isn’t it interesting that the first use of human language was to give names to other creatures? What a trust! And then think that one of the worst things we can do with that trust is to call someone ‘a name’ – which serves to break apart any connectedness.
After calling out to the Lord about the self-elevating, abusive language he finds in the world, the Psalmist celebrates that the Word from the Lord is of a very different character, and it is that Word that will prevail. The Lord will not tolerate forever the language of the world that brings “the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy” (verse 5).
The Word of God brings light and life and endures forever (Isaiah 40:8). And I am reminded to take great care with the stewardship of words.
Prayer:
God, thank you so much for the gift of speech. It’s one of things I take for granted, and use thoughtlessly so often. Let my language reflect the character of your Word, to bring light and life, and to celebrate what is worthy and endures. Through Christ. Amen.
You could have a lively debate on what starts revolutions. Is it despotism? Unrest? Ideas? Education? Somewhere along the line words are critical.
Powerful leaders, for good or for ill, are great with words. The right word at the right time could actually save someone’s life, or just make their day. The wrong words in the wrong spirit can cause damage between people that is irreparable for years, if ever.
The curious phrase the psalmist quotes as from lying enemies – “We own our lips” – made me think how just the opposite is true. Language is a part of the created order and, as such, is a matter of stewardship. According to Genesis, language has a role in connecting us with the rest of the created order:
Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. – Genesis 2:19-20a.
Isn’t it interesting that the first use of human language was to give names to other creatures? What a trust! And then think that one of the worst things we can do with that trust is to call someone ‘a name’ – which serves to break apart any connectedness.
After calling out to the Lord about the self-elevating, abusive language he finds in the world, the Psalmist celebrates that the Word from the Lord is of a very different character, and it is that Word that will prevail. The Lord will not tolerate forever the language of the world that brings “the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy” (verse 5).
The Word of God brings light and life and endures forever (Isaiah 40:8). And I am reminded to take great care with the stewardship of words.
Prayer:
God, thank you so much for the gift of speech. It’s one of things I take for granted, and use thoughtlessly so often. Let my language reflect the character of your Word, to bring light and life, and to celebrate what is worthy and endures. Through Christ. Amen.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Neither Helpless Nor Hopeless
Psalm 11
This psalm anticipates the New Testament picture of the Lord as both the one who reigns from on high (verse 4), and yet is present in the midst of our earthly lives, in this case protecting the psalmist from enemies. This latter part may seem contradictory to what we might anticipate in the New Testament and its teaching concerning our attitude toward others (e.g. “From now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view” 2 Corinthians 5:16).
I think what we are to take from the stark language of verse 6 considering the Lord’s action against certain people, is the contrast between the Lord’s power – he who reigns from on high – to those on the merely earthly plane who work evil. In other words, God uses his awesome power for the working of good. That is a source of encouragement for those who daily seek to align themselves with his will.
Prayer:
Lord, there is so much that seems beyond our control. Yet we are not helpless, because you are powerful, you are present, and you are for us. With those three realities working together, I have only to open myself to your control and your gracious will for me. You don’t want us to feel helpless, because we’re not. In Jesus. Amen.
This psalm anticipates the New Testament picture of the Lord as both the one who reigns from on high (verse 4), and yet is present in the midst of our earthly lives, in this case protecting the psalmist from enemies. This latter part may seem contradictory to what we might anticipate in the New Testament and its teaching concerning our attitude toward others (e.g. “From now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view” 2 Corinthians 5:16).
I think what we are to take from the stark language of verse 6 considering the Lord’s action against certain people, is the contrast between the Lord’s power – he who reigns from on high – to those on the merely earthly plane who work evil. In other words, God uses his awesome power for the working of good. That is a source of encouragement for those who daily seek to align themselves with his will.
Prayer:
Lord, there is so much that seems beyond our control. Yet we are not helpless, because you are powerful, you are present, and you are for us. With those three realities working together, I have only to open myself to your control and your gracious will for me. You don’t want us to feel helpless, because we’re not. In Jesus. Amen.
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