Psalm Meditation 976
Transfiguration
March 3, 2019
Psalm 50
1 The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.
3 Our God comes and does not keep silence, before him is a devouring fire, and a mighty tempest all around him.
4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah
7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.
8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9 I will not accept a bull from your house, or goats from your folds.
10 For every wild animal of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine.
12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and all that is in it is mine.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High.
15 Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
16 But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to recite my statutes, or take my covenant on your lips?
17 For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you.
18 You make friends with a thief when you see one, and you keep company with adulterers.
19 “You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit.
20 You sit and speak against your kin; you slander your own mother’s child.
21 These things you have done and I have been silent; you thought that I was one just like yourself. But now I rebuke you, and lay the charge before you.
22 “Mark this, then, you who forget God, or I will tear you apart, and there will be no one to deliver.
23 Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honor me; to those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
(NRSV)
The psalmist is as willing as the rest of us to brand others as outside the way of God. It is entirely possible that this is accurate about ‘those’ people being addressed. There are people who go through the motions, who make a big show of being faithful, who follow the rules in order to get the promised reward, or to avoid the anticipated promise. These folks are more deeply in need of being scolded than those who stand away from God out of ignorance or misunderstanding.
So what happens when we stand in judgement of others and we are the ones who are wrong. I hear myself and many others pointing our fingers at ‘those’ people who are judging by different standards. However that is my point; we are quick to judge othes before we look as critically at ourselves. In any time and place of whiich I am aware, there are disagreements brewing and boiling over in which those on every side are pointing fingers of blame at others while ignoring their own mistakes, misjudgments, and misinterpretations of the source of the conflict as well as those with whom they disagree. No matter what may be wrong with others, if we have not looked as critically at our own viewpoint and argument we are contributors to the problem more than to any solution.
We want to be right, especially in our relationship with God. We work under the assumption that our way is right or we wouldn’t follow and defend it. When we discover where we are wrong we will take steps to change our ideas and practices. Unless… unless we have become so entrenched in our ideas and practices that we can no longer see our own errors and only see what is different and wrong coming out of ‘those’ peoples’ ideas and practices. Are ‘they’ wrong? Probably. Are we wrong? Probably. Is there a kernel or truth in every side? That is just as probable. We do better to look critically at ourselves before we stand in harsh judgment of ‘them.’
February 25, 2019
LCM
Monday, February 25, 2019
Monday, February 18, 2019
Psalm Meditation 975
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany
February 24, 2019
Psalm 3
1 O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying to me, “There is no help for you in God.” Selah
3 But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
4 I cry aloud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.
6 I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Rise up, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Deliverance belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people! Selah
(NRSV)
I am not sure which comes first, sleeplessness or worry, however one accompanies the other in a lot of cases. Things that are of little consequence in waking daylit hours suddenly become giant concerns in the dark. One drifts toward sleep only to be startled to wakefulness by a question as simple as whether or not the door is locked or as complex as the state of a loved one or the fate of the world. In the light it is a passing fancy, but in the isolation of darkness it is a monumental question that sparks fear and concern in heart and mind. Drifting off to sleep is no longer an option, it becomes a struggle fraught with obstacles and challenges.
The psalmist has ten thousand reasons to worry and one reason to let the worries be. The psalmist chooses to concentrate on the one, to concentrate on the sustaining presence of God. There are still pursuers and adversaries, however the psalmist is wrapped and held in the arms of God. Things may still go bad, people may continue to be in pursuit, even those prospects will not wrench the psalmist from the presence of God. The sheltering presence of God makes a world of difference.
The psalmist continues to be aware of the ten thousand pursuers just as we continue to be aware of our dark induced frets and worries, however there is always comfort in the presence of one who loves and supports us. To be fully aware of the presence of God in a worrisome moment gives us comfort even if nothing has changed except our recognition of the sustaining power and presence of God. “Deliverance belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people!”
February 18, 2019
LCM
Seventh Sunday After Epiphany
February 24, 2019
Psalm 3
1 O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying to me, “There is no help for you in God.” Selah
3 But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
4 I cry aloud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.
6 I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Rise up, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Deliverance belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people! Selah
(NRSV)
I am not sure which comes first, sleeplessness or worry, however one accompanies the other in a lot of cases. Things that are of little consequence in waking daylit hours suddenly become giant concerns in the dark. One drifts toward sleep only to be startled to wakefulness by a question as simple as whether or not the door is locked or as complex as the state of a loved one or the fate of the world. In the light it is a passing fancy, but in the isolation of darkness it is a monumental question that sparks fear and concern in heart and mind. Drifting off to sleep is no longer an option, it becomes a struggle fraught with obstacles and challenges.
The psalmist has ten thousand reasons to worry and one reason to let the worries be. The psalmist chooses to concentrate on the one, to concentrate on the sustaining presence of God. There are still pursuers and adversaries, however the psalmist is wrapped and held in the arms of God. Things may still go bad, people may continue to be in pursuit, even those prospects will not wrench the psalmist from the presence of God. The sheltering presence of God makes a world of difference.
The psalmist continues to be aware of the ten thousand pursuers just as we continue to be aware of our dark induced frets and worries, however there is always comfort in the presence of one who loves and supports us. To be fully aware of the presence of God in a worrisome moment gives us comfort even if nothing has changed except our recognition of the sustaining power and presence of God. “Deliverance belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people!”
February 18, 2019
LCM
Monday, February 11, 2019
Psalm Meditation 974
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany
February 17, 2019
Psalm 148
1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!
3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.
6 He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!
9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and women alike, old and young together!
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the LORD!
(NRSV)
The psalmist has made a list of as many types of creatures as possible in a small space, and adds a list of people that goes up and down the spectrum of rank and age, as well as the breadth of race and gender. It is a brief and all inclusive list of creatures and parts of creation who are being called to praise God. Sea monsters and deeps are included in the list. These symbols of uncontrollable chaos are included as a reminder that chaos is under the control of God.
The people of God are lifted up for praise at the end of the psalm. The people who acknowledge and worship YHWH have a special place in creation. Those who are faithful are special because of their relationship with God. They see, experience, and know that it is YHWH who has created all that is. Other people and things can lift up thanks and praise, however those who recognize the power of YHWH have a special relationship and appreciation for who God is and what God does.
The people of God are not special in a swaggering, entitled way. People of God are special in a deep appreciation of the presence of God in all times and places, and in all the glories of creation. Praise reminds us that God is present among us. Praise reminds us that God stands far above us and chooses to be in relationship with us.
February 11, 2019
LCM
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany
February 17, 2019
Psalm 148
1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!
3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.
6 He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
8 fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!
9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
10 Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!
12 Young men and women alike, old and young together!
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the LORD!
(NRSV)
The psalmist has made a list of as many types of creatures as possible in a small space, and adds a list of people that goes up and down the spectrum of rank and age, as well as the breadth of race and gender. It is a brief and all inclusive list of creatures and parts of creation who are being called to praise God. Sea monsters and deeps are included in the list. These symbols of uncontrollable chaos are included as a reminder that chaos is under the control of God.
The people of God are lifted up for praise at the end of the psalm. The people who acknowledge and worship YHWH have a special place in creation. Those who are faithful are special because of their relationship with God. They see, experience, and know that it is YHWH who has created all that is. Other people and things can lift up thanks and praise, however those who recognize the power of YHWH have a special relationship and appreciation for who God is and what God does.
The people of God are not special in a swaggering, entitled way. People of God are special in a deep appreciation of the presence of God in all times and places, and in all the glories of creation. Praise reminds us that God is present among us. Praise reminds us that God stands far above us and chooses to be in relationship with us.
February 11, 2019
LCM
Monday, February 4, 2019
Psalm Meditation 973
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
February 10, 2019
Psalm 53
1 Fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they commit abominable acts; there is no one who does good.
2 God looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God.
3 They have all fallen away, they are all alike perverse; there is no one who does good, no, not one.
4 Have they no knowledge, those evildoers, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God?
5 There they shall be in great terror, in terror such as has not been. For God will scatter the bones of the ungodly; they will be put to shame, for God has rejected them.
6 O that deliverance for Israel would come from Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be glad.
(NRSV)
When things are not going well for us it is tempting to believe that the whole world stands against us. It is more than this particular situation, this particular set of adversaries out to get us; everyone and everything is out to get us. If we have been part of a group who has held a majority of power for a long time, we feel threatened when that majority position shows the first signs of shifting away from us. We go from being able to lord it over others to feeling attacked and victimized by all who question our position and authority. We feel justified in being comforted by this psalm.
It is important to consider the possibility that we have been the ones doing the victimizing, that we are the ones who will be in great terror as we bump into the judgment of God. It isn’t, as the psalmist claims, that we have said there is no God, it is that we have concentrated on a definition of God that does damage to the people God values. The people God values are the downtrodden, the oppressed, and the forgotten. God rarely stands with the powerful and influential. God stands with those who cry out for and work for God’s justice.
The psalmist is among those who are oppressed, downtrodden, and forgotten by the rest of the world and voices a legitimate and heartfelt cry for help from God. The difficulty comes when we assume the status of the underdog because someone has questioned our voice of authority. Though we can justify the righteousness of our position, and the feeling of oppression, there is no guarantee that we are correct in our assessment of the situation. God is in our lives leading us to wisdom, righteousness, and justice.
February 4, 2019
LCM
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany
February 10, 2019
Psalm 53
1 Fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they commit abominable acts; there is no one who does good.
2 God looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God.
3 They have all fallen away, they are all alike perverse; there is no one who does good, no, not one.
4 Have they no knowledge, those evildoers, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God?
5 There they shall be in great terror, in terror such as has not been. For God will scatter the bones of the ungodly; they will be put to shame, for God has rejected them.
6 O that deliverance for Israel would come from Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be glad.
(NRSV)
When things are not going well for us it is tempting to believe that the whole world stands against us. It is more than this particular situation, this particular set of adversaries out to get us; everyone and everything is out to get us. If we have been part of a group who has held a majority of power for a long time, we feel threatened when that majority position shows the first signs of shifting away from us. We go from being able to lord it over others to feeling attacked and victimized by all who question our position and authority. We feel justified in being comforted by this psalm.
It is important to consider the possibility that we have been the ones doing the victimizing, that we are the ones who will be in great terror as we bump into the judgment of God. It isn’t, as the psalmist claims, that we have said there is no God, it is that we have concentrated on a definition of God that does damage to the people God values. The people God values are the downtrodden, the oppressed, and the forgotten. God rarely stands with the powerful and influential. God stands with those who cry out for and work for God’s justice.
The psalmist is among those who are oppressed, downtrodden, and forgotten by the rest of the world and voices a legitimate and heartfelt cry for help from God. The difficulty comes when we assume the status of the underdog because someone has questioned our voice of authority. Though we can justify the righteousness of our position, and the feeling of oppression, there is no guarantee that we are correct in our assessment of the situation. God is in our lives leading us to wisdom, righteousness, and justice.
February 4, 2019
LCM
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