Psalm Meditation 927
Palm/Passion Sunday
March 25, 2018

Psalm 19
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
(NRSV)

Some of us get upset when we are told and reminded that there are rules to be followed in many parts of our lives. We are okay if we helped make the rules, otherwise we believe the rules must be unfair, especially to us. True or not we see other peoples’ rules as restrictive and problematic. If we don’t see the reason or rationale for a rule we see no need to follow it and some will openly rebel against a rule we don’t agree with or understand. At the same time we get upset with those who do not follow our rules because they see them as arbitrary.

The psalmist reminds us that the rules of God are good and desirable. We follow God’s rules because they help us feel renewed, refreshed, and revitalized. We follow the rules of God because as we follow them we increasingly see the wisdom that comes from following them. Following God’s rules leads us to a lifestyle that is rewarding in a lot of ways. If only it were as simple as following every rule received from God word for word.

There are always those who will twist the words of the rules to make them come out the way they want them. The psalmist asks to be delivered from those who show this kind of disrespect for the rules. We do well to join the psalmist in looking to God to give clarity to our hearts and lives as we live toward God. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”

March 19, 2018
LCM lcrsmanifold@att.net
http://psalmmeditations.blogspot.com/