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WEEKEND FEAST LITURGY Matthew 16:24–26 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Engage with our Mission Partners As you contemplate Psalm 123 and seek to bear the burdens of life and turn the other cheek to those who might harm you, consider praying for City Reformed's local and global mission partners. Pray for their long-suffering and for those they minister with. Pray for the global church as they bear the indignation of the world in the name of Christ. Read Psalm 35 2nd Reading: Psalm 36 Psalm 35:27 “Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” This is a psalm of David where David asks for justice from God against those who were once his allies. There is perhaps no sting so great as the betrayal of a friend. David’s words about these people are intimate: But I, when they were sick-- I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest. I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning. To have an ally who you not only trust, but who you pray for, fast for, afflict yourself for, grieve for, and to have that friend turn against you produces a unique heartache. In the case of David these allies have turned against him in violence, so he asks the Lord to be his savior, deliverer, and avenger. The imprecation (curses) on these enemies may be hard for us to hear today, especially since Jesus says, “Bless those who curse you” (Mt. 5:43). Yet we must draw some distinctions. First, David asks for vengeance from the Lord (v.24), rather than taking vengeance into his own hands. Second, David asks for the Lord to bring justice (vv.19-21). Third, David is in a different position than us as the potentate of the theocratic nation of Israel. David reigns as God’s appointed king, so it is clearer who his enemies are than our enemies. Lastly, Jesus does shows us a different way of kingly rule and he does it through wearing a crown of thorns. The psalm ends, “Great is the Lord who delights in the welfare of his servant.” Even if your friend betrays you, the Lord delights in your welfare. You have one who will not leave you or forsake you. His not kind-of interested in your welfare, he delights in your good. More than this, we have Jesus who gave himself for us, who suffered the greatest injustice, who knows betrayal, and still he calls us friend. GATHERING
THE CALL | Lamentations 3:25 [ESV] The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. CONFESSION | Lamentations 3:28–30 [ESV] The phrase, Kyrie eleison, simply means "Lord have mercy" and has been used by the Church for centuries, including by Reformers like John Calvin as a congregational refrain during worship. We often use it to ask for the forgiveness of personal sin, but it is just as appropriate to call upon God's saving mercy as we experience the sinful effects of others upon us. Here we will use it as such. You can speak it, or you can sing it: ~Kyrie eleison [sheet music]~ Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him; ~Kyrie eleison~ let him put his mouth in the dust-- there may yet be hope; ~Kyrie eleison~ let him give his cheek to the one who strikes, and let him be filled with insults. ~Kyrie eleison~ ASSURANCE | Lamentations 3:28–30 [ESV] For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men. SING | Doxology [sheet music] Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen WORD Read Psalm 34 2nd Reading: 1 Peter 3:10-12 Psalm 34:4-5 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” This is a psalm for the crushed in spirit, the brokenhearted, and the poor man who cries. Perhaps this psalm is familiar to you because it is a psalm we often sing together in church. The psalmist gives voice to those who have been humbled to the dust. This is a psalm of thanksgiving, thankfulness that the Lord (v.17) “delivers them out of all their troubles.” The language of this psalm is gentle and kind. It begins in vv.1-3 with praise, but quickly moves to the needs and distresses of the saints. The image we find in vv.4-5 are of a congregation of people looking to God for help. They seek the Lord and he delivers. As they look to him, their faces shine with the radiance of the reflection of God’s glory. They have no shame. Perhaps you have never felt this radiance before, this freedom from shame and deliverance from trouble? The call of the palmist is this: “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” (v.8). When our little children won’t eat their food, we ask them to just taste it. Taste it and you may find you like it. There is nothing that tastes so sweet as redemption, for the poor man to laugh, for the crushed in spirit to be made whole, for the brokenhearted to be mended, for the hungry to be filled. Taste and see how good is our God. ABIDING SING
FRIDAY-MEMORIZE | Psalm 123 - Spend time memorizing the words of the Psalm as best you can - SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. Lamentations 3:22–24 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” GATHERING
THE CALL | Lamentations 3:25 [ESV] The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. CONFESSION | Lamentations 3:28–30 [ESV] The phrase, Kyrie eleison, simply means "Lord have mercy" and has been used by the Church for centuries, including by Reformers like John Calvin as a congregational refrain during worship. We often use it to ask for the forgiveness of personal sin, but it is just as appropriate to call upon God's saving mercy as we experience the sinful effects of others upon us. Here we will use it as such. You can speak it, or you can sing it: ~Kyrie eleison [sheet music]~ Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him; ~Kyrie eleison~ let him put his mouth in the dust-- there may yet be hope; ~Kyrie eleison~ let him give his cheek to the one who strikes, and let him be filled with insults. ~Kyrie eleison~ ASSURANCE | Lamentations 3:28–30 [ESV] For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men. SING | Doxology [sheet music] Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen WORD Read Psalm 33 2nd Reading: Is. 55 (Psalm 33:16-17) “The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue.” This is a psalm of praise for all that the Lord has created and for the Lord who reigns omnipotently over his creation. The omnipotence of God is the belief that God is all powerful, which is one way the psalmist challenges the reader of this psalm. In verse 10 we read that the Lord brings the “counsel of nations to nothing” and “frustrates the plans of the people.” Part of praising God as our all-powerful creator is putting the smaller world-powers in their place. Nations will make their plans, but their steps belong to the Lord. The temptation to put ultimate faith in government institutions is not a new concept. Verses 16 and 17 bring this concept into a more personal understanding. One might assume that when an army has a victory it is because of the strength of that army, perhaps strong horses or strong soldiers or a strong king. The psalmist reminds us that these are false hopes. Today, our material things on which we rely, while useful and good, can become false hopes. It’s important in every success of life to give acknowledgment and praise to God for the victory. God is not only the creator but the sustainer of life. We must humbly recognize our position before him. Take some time to give him praise for any and every success you have had in life. Confess false hopes. Lastly, (v.20) wait for the Lord “he is our help and our shield.” ABIDING SING
THURSDAY-MEMORIZE | Psalm 123 - Spend time memorizing the words of the Psalm as best you can - SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. Lamentations 3:22–24 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” GATHERING
THE CALL | Lamentations 3:25 [ESV] The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. CONFESSION | Lamentations 3:28–30 [ESV] The phrase, Kyrie eleison, simply means "Lord have mercy" and has been used by the Church for centuries, including by Reformers like John Calvin as a congregational refrain during worship. We often use it to ask for the forgiveness of personal sin, but it is just as appropriate to call upon God's saving mercy as we experience the sinful effects of others upon us. Here we will use it as such. You can speak it, or you can sing it: ~Kyrie eleison [sheet music]~ Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him; ~Kyrie eleison~ let him put his mouth in the dust-- there may yet be hope; ~Kyrie eleison~ let him give his cheek to the one who strikes, and let him be filled with insults. ~Kyrie eleison~ ASSURANCE | Lamentations 3:28–30 [ESV] For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men. SING | Doxology [sheet music] Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen WORD Read Psalm 32 2nd Reading: Romans 4:7-8 (Psalm 32:3-4) “For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.” Do you keep silent? Whether you are extroverted or introverted, all of us in one way or another have been guilty of keeping silent when we should have spoken up. In this case, David has kept his sins silent, not confessing them to the Lord in a timely manner. This lack of confession caused his bones to waste way. Holding onto sin is like acid eating away inside of you. How do we confess our sin? First, we must see the blessing in confession. This is how the psalm begins, “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (v.1). If you don’t see the blessing in confession, then you will continue to hold onto your sin. Second, we “acknowledge” the sin, fully uncovering the transgression (v.5). There will always be a temptation to hold onto part of your sin even as you confess it. God requires full repentance, which is turning from our sin and turning towards God, without looking back. Third, do not wait. Verse 6 calls us to “offer prayer to [God] at a time when [he] may be found.” When may God be found? For the Christian we need not go to the temple to confess our sin, or to a priest, but the time is now. The Lord has set his Spirit in our hearts, and by the Spirit, through the mediation of Jesus, the Father hears our prayers. Do not wait. Lastly, (v.11) “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.” Do not dwell in your sin, but dwell in his righteousness, received by faith. ABIDING SING
WEDNESDAY-CONTEXTUALIZE | Psalm 123 Consider ways that you can let the Psalm form your imagination, that you might share it with others. Perhaps you can journal about it, write poetry or prose, learn a song, create visual art, or reexpress it in ways that speak to your context. If you are planning to fellowship with other people this weekend, consider how you might share these imaginations with your community. SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. Lamentations 3:22–24 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” GATHERING
THE CALL | Lamentations 3:25 [ESV] The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. CONFESSION | Lamentations 3:28–30 [ESV] The phrase, Kyrie eleison, simply means "Lord have mercy" and has been used by the Church for centuries, including by Reformers like John Calvin as a congregational refrain during worship. We often use it to ask for the forgiveness of personal sin, but it is just as appropriate to call upon God's saving mercy as we experience the sinful effects of others upon us. Here we will use it as such. You can speak it, or you can sing it: ~Kyrie eleison [sheet music]~ Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him; ~Kyrie eleison~ let him put his mouth in the dust-- there may yet be hope; ~Kyrie eleison~ let him give his cheek to the one who strikes, and let him be filled with insults. ~Kyrie eleison~ ASSURANCE | Lamentations 3:28–30 [ESV] For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men. SING | Doxology [sheet music] Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen WORD Read Psalm 31 2nd Reading: Luke 23:46 (Psalm 31:3-5) “For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.” Scholars have organized the psalms into various categories, such as kingly, messianic, psalms of ascent, praise, thanksgiving, wisdom, confidence, historical, prophetic, and like Psalm 31 - a psalm of both lament and penitence. Penitential psalms are categorized as a psalm where the author is asking forgiveness for a particular sin. A lament is praying our sorrow. We read both elements of lamentation and penitence in this psalm. In v.10 David confesses that it is because of his “iniquity” that this affliction has come upon him. Perhaps he knows this because the Lord has revealed it to him, or perhaps it’s a logical consequence of his actions. For whatever reason, David finds himself asking for salvation (v.2, v.16), comfort in affliction (vv.9-10), and protection from his enemies (v.15). Our central verse v.5, is quoted by Jesus in Luke:23:46 as he hung on the cross and breathed his last breath. The last words of Jesus before he died, were “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” David’s use of the phrase is tied to a net he has fallen into because of his sin. Jesus, on the other hand, goes willingly into the “net” because of our sin. Jesus commits himself to the will of the Father in his period of greatest darkness. Two points: The first is to praise God that you can be saved from the darkness (the “net”) because Jesus entered it on your behalf. While David experienced distress due to his sin, and while we experience distress due to our sin, we will never feel the full weight of our sin because of the gracious and salvific act of Jesus. Second, commit yourself to the Lord. Have you sinned? Have you messed up? Are you paying some consequence for your sin? Are you lamenting some tragedy? The way of life is to fully hand yourself over to the Father. Commitment is putting all of your weight onto him, stepping out over the cliff. Trust that he will catch you. ABIDING SING
TUESDAY-READ | Psalm 123 Spend time understanding and memorizing the outline of the Psalm, taking special note of the flow or transition points. If you are in a group, discuss the main themes and emphasis together. SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. Lamentations 3:22–24 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” GATHERING
THE CALL | Lamentations 3:25 [ESV] The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. CONFESSION | Lamentations 3:28–30 [ESV] The phrase, Kyrie eleison, simply means "Lord have mercy" and has been used by the Church for centuries, including by Reformers like John Calvin as a congregational refrain during worship. We often use it to ask for the forgiveness of personal sin, but it is just as appropriate to call upon God's saving mercy as we experience the sinful effects of others upon us. Here we will use it as such. You can speak it, or you can sing it: ~Kyrie eleison [sheet music]~ Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him; ~Kyrie eleison~ let him put his mouth in the dust-- there may yet be hope; ~Kyrie eleison~ let him give his cheek to the one who strikes, and let him be filled with insults. ~Kyrie eleison~ ASSURANCE | Lamentations 3:28–30 [ESV] For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men. SING | Doxology [sheet music] Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen WORD Read Psalm 30 2nd Reading: Ephesians 2:20-22 (Psalm 30: 4,5) “ Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” If you have ever been in the pits of life, down and out, feeling as if there will be no deliverance; then if you are delivered and drawn up again... there is nothing else so sweet. It is not in times of prosperity that God is teaching us dependence, but in the pits of life. Perhaps you find yourself there now, and the encouragement of the psalm is this: The Lord will not leave you there, but draw you up. If you find yourself crying out to God, asking for healing, saying with the psalmist, “What profit is there in my death,” then recall the many times the Lord has saved you before. As he was faithful then so will he be faithful now. If the Lord is using this period of time to teach you, then receive his instruction and know that his anger is only for a moment. It’s also important to acknowledge the night. Weep while it is night, but do not weep as if it will the night will remain. Part of the prayers of the saints ought to be prayers of weeping. It’s okay to grieve, and we ought to grieve well, but we do not grieve as those without hope. As sure as the sun will rise, so sure will God save his beloved. ABIDING SING
MONDAY-LECTIO DIVINA | Psalm 123 We memorize things we value. The brain has an incredible ability to remove information that we don’t need. As we make an effort to memorize the Psalms, the beginning of each week seeks to establish the value of God's Word in our hearts before we view it as information to be remembered. Read more about the Lectio Divina HERE.
SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. Lamentations 3:22–24 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” WEEKEND FEAST LITURGY
Philippians 4:4–7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Read Psalm 28 2nd Reading: Psalm 29 (Ps 29: 1-2) “Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” In his book "Treasury of David, Charles Spurgeon says that this psalm is meant to be read while sitting in a thunderstorm, listening to howls from heaven. Perhaps he is right, in that the psalm characterizes the voice of God as peals of the thunder. If you have ever been outside while the thunder cracked overtop your head, then you have a sense of the voice of God mentioned in this psalm. The psalmist draws our attention to the power of God. The images are strong, such as God’s voice breaking cedars, shooting flames of fire, and stripping the forest bare. The beginning of the psalm calls God’s people to ascribe the glory to God that is due to him, and the end of the psalm images God seated on his throne. For the singer of the psalm, the challenge is this: Do you ascribe God the glory that he is due? It is a gracious thing that the Lord does not reveal himself to us all at once, lest we be torn apart like the imagery of the forest in the storm. Yet, while God is gracious, we ought not to forget that our God is powerful beyond all measure. It is easy to take for granted his grace and presume upon his gentleness. Where in your life could you do better in ascribing all glory, honor, and power to the Lord of heaven of earth? PREPARE FOR WORSHIP TOMORROW Consider inviting someone from Church over on Saturday. If you partake of a meal together, share things about gathered worship that you look forward to. Specifically:
GATHERING
THE CALL | 1 Corinthians 1:10 [ESV] I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. CONFESSION | City Reformed Confession # 171 Triune God, you are perfectly one, though three persons. As we draw near to you, we know that we have not always gathered united. Forgive us the sins of disunity, O Lord: pride, jealousy, and narrow-mindedness. Forgive us the sins of false unity: lack of imagination, apathy, and indifference. On the cross, you’ve paid the price for our sins, and in your resurrection, you have invited us into a life of hope and a life of love and renewal in God’s family. We hear your promises, Lord, we believe your Word. Help us in our unbelief. Amen ASSURANCE | Hebrews 13:14–16 [ESV] For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. SING | Doxology [sheet music] Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen WORD Read Psalm 26 2nd Reading: Psalm 27 (Psalm 27: 1) “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Whom do you fear? What do you fear? Who or what we fear can tell us a lot about our hearts. There are legitimate reasons to fear things or people, such as a stranger trying to take our wallet or a terrorist on a plane. Fear can help us respond quickly and appropriately to the risk. Fear as an emotion in many situations is appropriate, however, there are many fears we have that are unfounded or misplaced. David gives us a litmus test of sorts in the beginning of this psalm. In whatever situation I find myself, is the Lord greater than my fear? When this person or situation or place or events scares me, is the Lord the stronghold of my life? Perhaps most of our fears are moments where we are confronted with our lack of faith and trust that God will protect us. What is man compared to God? The psalmist doubles down on this point in v.3 where he says that even if a whole army was against him, yet he will be confident and his heart will not fear. In this rest of the psalm, David is working out what this confidence and fearlessness looks like. David prays to God to be the source of his confidence. Verse 10 shows just how hard life has become; where parental protection is absent, God himself fulfills this role. The believer can move through life with confidence not based on our own strength, power, or intelligence, but because God is on our side. God has become our Father when our parents abandon us. God is our refuge, our strength, and our salvation from our deepest fears (v.9). Lastly, Jesus is both the way and example of our confidence. While he dreaded the suffering, nevertheless, he walked with path to Golgotha. With thankfulness to Jesus, this is one road we will never have to walk. ABIDING SING
FRIDAY-MEMORIZE | Psalm 122 - Spend time memorizing the words of the Psalm as best you can - SENDING Apostles' Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. SPEAK PEACE Psalm 122 says, "I will say, “Peace be within you!” Find someone from your church community and speak peace to them today. Intentionally tell them how you intend to seek their good as a member of God's people. ATHERING
THE CALL | 1 Corinthians 1:10 [ESV] I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. CONFESSION | City Reformed Confession # 171 Triune God, you are perfectly one, though three persons. As we draw near to you, we know that we have not always gathered united. Forgive us the sins of disunity, O Lord: pride, jealousy, and narrow-mindedness. Forgive us the sins of false unity: lack of imagination, apathy, and indifference. On the cross, you’ve paid the price for our sins, and in your resurrection, you have invited us into a life of hope and a life of love and renewal in God’s family. We hear your promises, Lord, we believe your Word. Help us in our unbelief. Amen ASSURANCE | Hebrews 13:14–16 [ESV] For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. SING | Doxology [sheet music] Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen WORD Read Psalm 24 2nd Reading: psalm 25 (Psalm 25:20-21) “Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.” Shame is insidious. The problem for those who experience shame is that shame is like the slow spread of an infection. At first you don’t notice anything wrong, but the disease is at work. Soon you are far sicker than you realize, in bed, and unable to help yourself. In fact, the message of this psalm is that the treatment for shame is help outside of yourself. The psalm begins with a call from David to lift up his soul to the Lord. David asks God to not allow him to be put to shame and to keep his enemies from victory. He broadens the idea however, for in v.3 he says, “None who wait for you shall be put to shame.” For David, shame would come if his enemies win, but his salvation is not from himself, but from God. David needs to wait on God to act, and waiting is difficult. Where do you struggle with shame? Where do you fear the victory of an enemy? The answer lies outside yourself. Ask for the prayer and accountability of friends who love Jesus. Seek the Lord in prayer. Wait on him. There is another theme the psalmist brings out surrounding shame, and that is in vv.8-10, that all people are in need of the instruction and teaching of the Lord. This instruction and teaching comes in many forms, but it is always humbling (v.9). When you find yourself in the wrong, having made mistakes, in need of correction; do you receive it with humility or shame? For those who trust in Jesus, any correction is not shame, but (v.10), “steadfast love and faithfulness.” Lastly, in vv16-end, pour out your heart to the Lord! Tell him all of your troubles and don’t hold back. He longs to hear your heart and loves the prayers of his people. The promise holds true, “There is therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). ABIDING SING
THURSDAY- MEMORIZE | Psalm 122 - Spend time memorizing the words of the Psalm as best you can - SENDING Apostles' Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. SPEAK PEACE Psalm 122 says, "I will say, “Peace be within you!” Find someone from your church community and speak peace to them today. Intentionally tell them how you intend to seek their good as a member of God's people. (GATHERING
THE CALL | 1 Corinthians 1:10 [ESV] I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. CONFESSION | City Reformed Confession # 171 Triune God, you are perfectly one, though three persons. As we draw near to you, we know that we have not always gathered united. Forgive us the sins of disunity, O Lord: pride, jealousy, and narrow-mindedness. Forgive us the sins of false unity: lack of imagination, apathy, and indifference. On the cross, you’ve paid the price for our sins, and in your resurrection, you have invited us into a life of hope and a life of love and renewal in God’s family. We hear your promises, Lord, we believe your Word. Help us in our unbelief. Amen ASSURANCE | Hebrews 13:14–16 [ESV] For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. SING | Doxology [sheet music] Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen WORD Read Psalm 23 2nd Reading: John 10 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (v.4) Perhaps one of the most comforting psalms, Psalm 23 paints the picture that while God’s people may suffer greatly, they are (1.) never left alone and (2.) their suffering is not without purpose.
ABIDING SING
WEDNESDAY-CONTEXTUALIZE | Psalm 122 Consider ways that you can let the Psalm form your imagination, that you might share it with others. Perhaps you can journal about it, write poetry or prose, learn a song, create visual art, or re-express it in ways that speak to your context. If you are planning to fellowship with other people this weekend, consider how you might share these imaginations with your community. SENDING Apostles' Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. SPEAK PEACE Psalm 122 says, "I will say, “Peace be within you!” Find someone from your church community and speak peace to them today. Intentionally tell them how you intend to seek their good as a member of God's people. GATHERING
THE CALL | 1 Corinthians 1:10 [ESV] I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. CONFESSION | City Reformed Confession # 171 Triune God, you are perfectly one, though three persons. As we draw near to you, we know that we have not always gathered united. Forgive us the sins of disunity, O Lord: pride, jealousy, and narrow-mindedness. Forgive us the sins of false unity: lack of imagination, apathy, and indifference. On the cross, you’ve paid the price for our sins, and in your resurrection, you have invited us into a life of hope and a life of love and renewal in God’s family. We hear your promises, Lord, we believe your Word. Help us in our unbelief. Amen ASSURANCE | Hebrews 13:14–16 [ESV] For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. SING | Doxology [sheet music] Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen WORD Read Psalm 19 2nd Reading: Romans 1 (PS 19:14) “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” The first thing to notice in this psalm is that the beginning verses concern God’s creating by the power of his Word and the ending verses concern the words and meditations of the psalmist’s heart. The subject then of this psalm is on not just the power of words, but that God created all things through the power of his word and by this word man is provided with God’s law instructing him on how to live well. Conversely, the message implies what can bring death if man does not abide by God’s revealed Word. There is a second concept that is introduced in the first part of this psalm, and that is the metaphor of God’s word-made creation pictured as the rising of the sun. Just as the sun shines light onto all of creation, so man cannot escape the law of the Lord, revealed as clearly as the light of the sun to all the earth. Creation itself bears witness to the creator and that his creation has a purpose. While there is general revelation, (that when we look at creation we can conclude a creator), so there is specific or special revelation. Special revelation is where the psalmist goes next, to the law of the Lord, his commandments. Perhaps in your life you have questioned whether God’s law is really good. Is it really good to view sexuality the way God calls us to? Is it really good to always tell the truth? Is it really good to worship God alone? As surely as we can look at the light of the sun, just as surely can we affirm that God’s word is light and that light is good. Just as surely as we can look at Jesus, his life, his love, and his resurrection, just as certain are we that his commands for our lives are good. Pray that God would reorient your hearts through Christ, to love his law and thus his commandments for our lives. (Joseph Bianco) ABIDING SING
TUESDAY READ | Psalm 122 Spend time understanding and memorizing the outline of the Psalm, taking special note of the flow or transition points. If you are in a group, discuss the main themes and emphasis together. SENDING Apostles' Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. SPEAK PEACE Psalm 122 says, "I will say, “Peace be within you!” Find someone from your church community and speak peace to them today. Intentionally tell them how you intend to seek their good as a member of God's people. GATHERING
THE CALL | 1 Corinthians 1:10 [ESV] I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. CONFESSION | City Reformed Confession # 171 Triune God, you are perfectly one, though three persons. As we draw near to you, we know that we have not always gathered united. Forgive us the sins of disunity, O Lord: pride, jealousy, and narrow-mindedness. Forgive us the sins of false unity: lack of imagination, apathy, and indifference. On the cross, you’ve paid the price for our sins, and in your resurrection, you have invited us into a life of hope and a life of love and renewal in God’s family. We hear your promises, Lord, we believe your Word. Help us in our unbelief. Amen ASSURANCE | Hebrews 13:14–16 [ESV] For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. SING | Doxology [sheet music] Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen WORD Read Psalm 20 2nd Reading: 21 (Ps 20:4) "May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!” To begin with a quote from the Princess bride, verse 4 “does not mean what you think it means.” This psalm is written by David, but the voice of this psalm is that of the congregation. The congregation is crying out for their king and their nation to be successful. So then the blessing that God “may.. grant you your heart’s desire” is not that God would give us our every desire, but that God would bless the desires of the king for success on behalf of God’s people. Now that we are reoriented to the intent of this psalm, please hear this question: How do you pray for your leaders? David encourages us not just to pray for our leaders, but to pray in specific ways. First we need the prayers of our friends. If you are in any kind of leadership position, you need the prayers of friends. David wrote a psalm for the congregation to pray for him. At first that may sound strange, but upon reflection it shows a humble heart. Please consider below various ways to pray for your leaders, for your session, your women’s council, for your government officials and for your nation.
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MONDAY LECTIO DIVINA | Psalm 122 We memorize things we value. The brain has an incredible ability to remove information that we don’t need. As we make an effort to memorize the Psalms, the beginning of each week seeks to establish the value of God's Word in our hearts before we view it as information to be remembered. Read more about the Lectio Divina HERE.
SENDING Apostles' Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. SPEAK PEACE Psalm 122 says, "I will say, “Peace be within you!” Find someone from your church community and speak peace to them today. Intentionally tell them how you intend to seek their good as a member of God's people. WEEKEND FEAST LITURGY
PRACTICE HOSPITALITY Prepare for worship tomorrow by seeking ways to be hospitable with those in your community today. If possible, invite someone to share a meal with you and intentionally engage Psalm 121 with them. Word Read Psalm 18:1-34 2nd Reading: Psalm 18:35-50 “I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; and I am saved from my enemies.” (Ps 18:3) Psalm 18 is a celebration of God’s power to save his anointed King when he is in trouble. As a psalm of David, we can easily imagine ways in which David needed to be saved from his enemies. In particular, the short description before vs. 1 attributes this to the time when David was delivered from Saul's murderous intentions. However, since the psalm ends with a reference to David as the anointed one, it is inviting to consider how Jesus, the ultimate anointed one, may have also prayed this prayer and fulfilled these promises. This is especially true as we see the anointed king being “rewarded for his righteousness (v.24.)” As we look closer at the psalm we can observe that there are two different ways in which God worked to save David. First, God is portrayed as a mighty warrior who arrives in splendor to defeat David’s enemies (v.7-19.) There were many places where the Bible records God’s acts of salvation for David in which David was completely passive. Like Pharaoh’s defeat at the Red Sea, sometimes God saves his people when they are completely helpless. However, there is a second way in which God is described as saving David. David says that God “equipped me with strength…I pursued my enemies and overtook them (v.32-37.)” In this reference, God saved David by empowering him to fulfill his calling as the king. In the Christian life we experience God’s salvation in both of these ways. Sometimes we see him working for us completely beyond our own abilities. Certainly, when we think of Christ’s atoning sacrifice for us that would the best example. Christ died for us when we were God’s enemies (Rom 5:8-10.) We contribute nothing to our justification. There are many other moments in the Christian life when God works around us, completely independent of our actions and abilities. However, it is also true that as God works to sanctify us, he often works through us, by empowering us to accomplish his purposes. The Apostle Paul said it this way, “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me (Col 1:29.)” Like David, we sometimes find that God works for our deliverance by strengthening us for the challenges that we face. We should be alert for the wide range of ways that God works in our live for his good purposes. GRACE FOR MEAL Dear Lord, our keeper and great hope, we thank you for watching over us and providing the food we need to trust you more. As we are nourished by these gifts you created for our pleasure, please also lift be our gaze to delight in your abiding presence with us. May we trust you more and rest in your love, amen. GATHERING
RESPONSIVE CALL | Matthew 6:19–24 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. ASSURANCE | Psalm 121:1-2 [ESV] I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. SING: Gloria Patri [sheet music] [demo recording] Glory be to the Father And to the Son and to the Holy Ghost As it was in the beginning Is now and ever shall be world without end Amen Amen WORD Read Psalm 17 2nd Reading: 1 John 1:1-4 (We will come back to psalms 15 and 16 later in our reading as we move closer to Easter.) “Hear a just cause, Or LORD, attend to my cry!” (v.17:1) What strikes me first in this psalm is the intimacy with which David addresses God. David looks at his past experiences with God, “You have tried my heart, you have tested me in the night (v.3.)” He also pleads his innocence before God (4-5.) Then he speaks to God in the most intimate of ways, “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings (v.8.)” After describing the deadly enemies that surround him and appealing for God’s help (v.9-14), David again turns his focus to God. “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness.” But there is a second concern that emerges as we study the psalm more closely. At several points, David insists that he is righteous and that God should help him because he is innocent of wrong doing. Considering what we read in Psalm 12 about “no one being righteous, no not one” – how do we understand that David claims to be innocent before God? First, we recognize that this could be true of David in a limited and relative sense. By that we mean that in the particular matter in view David could have been innocent. We saw in an earlier reference to 1 Peter 2, that sometimes we suffer unjustly. That does not mean we have never done anything to deserve punishment, but in the particular matter at hand we have not done something to deserve that result. For example, if my boss fines me for stealing cookies at work, but I did not actually steal cookies, I could plead my innocence and say I was suffering unjustly. If I had, in fact, stolen the cookies from the cookie jar, then the result would have been for me suffering "because of my sin” (I Peter 2:19-20.) On the other hand, we have to recognize that David was not innocent in all matters. In fact, David had some pretty major sins recorded in the Bible. In those instances, he suffered for his sin. But what this means is that even David could not pray this psalm in every part, in every situation. His righteousness was not sufficient to earn his own salvation. He needed to be saved by someone who could fulfill this perfectly. And so we look forward to his descendent, Jesus, who was often called “the son of David.” Jesus did what David could never do. He never sinned and perfectly fulfilled God’s righteous expectations. And hear is the connecting idea. Because Jesus shares his perfect righteousness with us by faith, we can enjoy the rich intimacy that he has had with his heavenly father from all eternity. All of the warm fellowship language that David shares in Psalm 17 is most deeply found in the eternal relationship that Jesus had with his heavenly Father. In I John 1:1-4, John describes the joy that he has when he people are invited in to the fellowship of God. “Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3.)” ABIDING SING | Psalm 121
[Lectio Divina] MEMORIZE | Psalm 121 - Spend time memorizing the words of the Psalm as best you can - SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. COMMISSION | Psalm 121:7–8 [ESV] The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. GATHERING
RESPONSIVE CALL | Matthew 6:19–24 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. ASSURANCE | Psalm 121:1-2 [ESV] I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. SING: Gloria Patri [sheet music] [demo recording] Glory be to the Father And to the Son and to the Holy Ghost As it was in the beginning Is now and ever shall be world without end Amen Amen WORD Read Psalms 12 & 13 “Save, O, Lord, for the godly one is gone, for the faithful have vanished from the face of the earth.” (Ps 12:1) Psalms 12 and 13 continue the theme from recent days in which there is a lament over the wickedness. Psalm 12 narrates a situation in which David seems to be surrounded by people who are bogged down by sin. “The Godly one is gone… everyone utters lies… the poor are plundered (vs. 2-5)" Against this backdrop, there are words of hope, “You oh LORD… will guard us from this generation forever (v.8.)” Psalm 13 is different in that it is full of questions addressed to God. The first two verses start with a barrage of five questions in which the David addressed God and asks why he is not taking action to help his situation. After a desperate plea for help (v.3-4), David turns his attention to God’s faithful character. “But I have trusted in your steadfast love… I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me (v.5-6.)” What do we learn from these psalms? They are practical words for life in a painful world. Psalm 12 invites us to express our sorrow to God for the broken world around us. Psalm 13 invites us to come to God with questions and petitions and pleas for him to act. Notice how these psalms are not passively accepting the world as it is. They teach us to wrestle against the darkness. They teach us to plead with God for help to bring his transformative power to bear on our problems. But, Psalm 13 ends on a different note. It ends on the note of confidence and praise We see in these psalms an example of how the perspective of the psalmist often changes throughout the course of the psalm. The mood changes from frustration to desperation to contentment. Often this is how things go in our prayer life. We start out frustrated and express ourselves honestly to God. Then, we begin to see our situation through the eyes of faith. Spiritual health does not look like stoic acceptance of the world as it is. Rather, it is spiritually healthy to cry out against the fallen world. It is also spiritually healthy to cry out to God for mercy. But, spiritual health does not end there. Having poured out his concerns before God, David is able to rest in a position of trust and even sing to God with thanks for what he has already received. ABIDING SING | Psalm 121
[Lectio Divina] MEMORIZE| Psalm 121 - Spend time memorizing the words of the Psalm as best you can - SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. COMMISSION | Psalm 121:7–8 [ESV] The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. GATHERING
RESPONSIVE CALL | Matthew 6:19–24 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. ASSURANCE | Psalm 121:1-2 [ESV] I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. SING: Gloria Patri [sheet music] [demo recording] Glory be to the Father And to the Son and to the Holy Ghost As it was in the beginning Is now and ever shall be world without end Amen Amen WORD Read Psalm 14 2nd Reading: Psalm 53 (We have grouped these two psalms together because of their similar subject matter and because have near identical language in many parts. Our focus will be one psalm 14.) “The fool says in his heart, there is no God… the LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man.” (Ps 14:1-2, Ps 53:1-2) We have seen, beginning in Psalm 1, that there is often a comparison made between the path of the righteous and the path of the wicked. Another way to make that contrast is between wisdom and foolishness. The proverbs and the psalms have a great deal to say about both of these topics. On the one hand, the beginning of wisdom is to fear God and related to him properly. Conversely, the beginning of foolishness is to reject God and act as if he does not exist. When people try to live without God, they are making the biggest mistake possible. They may know lots of information, but their fundamental understanding of the world is necessarily off. In the Bible, wisdom and foolishness are understood to be determined by how we relate to God. As a result, when God looks down on the mass of humanity that has rejected him he finds that “there is no one who does good, not even one (v.14:3.)” In the New Testament, Paul quotes this when he builds his case against humanity (Rom 3:10ff.) He shows that both Jews and Gentiles became corrupt and all alike fall short of the glory of God. At the deepest level, all of us are born fools. Our natural inclination is to live as if God doesn’t exist. In spite of how much we learn or how many degrees we acquire, the compulsion of human nature is to live as if God does not exist. The world around us teaches us to live this way. Salvation requires God to break in and renew our hearts. Ultimately, Jesus is the one and only person who lived with proper reverence for God in every aspect of his life. In this sense, he “became of us wisdom from God (1Cor 1:30) As we read these psalms we are led to consider that we are surrounded by a great deal of foolishness. But the problem is not just “out there” in those other people. Except for God’s saving mercy, we too could be without hope. Let us remind ourselves, the beginning of wisdom is to acknowledge God presence in the world and orient our lives before him each step of the way. ABIDING SING | Psalm 121
[Lectio Divina] CONTEXTUALIZE | Psalm 121 Consider ways that you can let the Psalm form your imagination, that you might share it with others. Perhaps you can journal about it, write poetry or prose, learn a song, create visual art, or re-express it in ways that speak to your context. If you are planning to fellowship with other people this weekend, consider how you might share these imaginations with your community. SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. COMMISSION | Psalm 121:7–8 [ESV] The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. GATHERING
RESPONSIVE CALL | Matthew 6:19–24 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. ASSURANCE | Psalm 121:1-2 [ESV] I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. SING: Gloria Patri [sheet music] [demo recording] Glory be to the Father And to the Son and to the Holy Ghost As it was in the beginning Is now and ever shall be world without end Amen Amen WORD Read: Psalm 10 & 11 “Why, O Lord, do you stand afar off?” (v.10:1) “The LORD is in his holy temple.” (v.11:4) These two fairly short psalms are different, but complimentary. Psalm 10 begins with the question to God, “Why do you stand far off? The psalmist then contemplates the confusion of the wicked prospering (v.2-13.) The psalm then pleads with God to act and bring down the evildoers (v.14-15), and closes with statements of assurance of God’s intentions to bring justice to the “fatherless and oppressed (v.18.) But Psalm 11 provides a different perspective. The primary focus of Psalm 11 is God. God is enthroned in his holy temple (vs. 11:4.) God acts to test the righteous and to judge the wicked. We live in a world were wicked people often seem to prosper. Sometimes God seems to be hiding. We often don’t understand why God is not answering our prayers. The psalms take that concern seriously, but direct our attention to God seated in his holy temple. He is able to save. We can take refuge in him (v.11:1.) These psalms can help us to lift out eyes to heaven and meditate upon the living God who rules over all things through his sovereign power. ABIDING SING | Psalm 121
Lectio Divina READ | Psalm 121 Spend time understanding and memorizing the outline of the Psalm, taking special note of the flow or transition points. If you are in a group, discuss the main themes and emphasis together. SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. COMMISSION | Psalm 121:7–8 [ESV] The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. GATHERING
RESPONSIVE CALL | Matthew 6:19–24 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. ASSURANCE | Psalm 121:1-2 [ESV] I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. SING: Gloria Patri [sheet music] [demo recording] Glory be to the Father And to the Son and to the Holy Ghost As it was in the beginning Is now and ever shall be world without end Amen Amen WORD Read Psalm 9 2nd Reading: I Peter 2:20-25 “But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, And he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.” (V.7-8) Psalm 9 shows that God’s justice is a blessing for the oppressed. The author of this psalm is David and we might wonder how these reflections on the justice of God shaped his execution of justice as the king of Israel. Language about God judging shows up repeatedly. In particular, the justice of God makes him a stronghold for the oppressed (v.9.) For example, God “does not forget the cry of the afflicted” (v.12), “the needy shall not be forgotten” (v.18), and “the poor shall not perish forever” (v.18.) While Americans celebrate the ideals of “liberty and justice for all” our experience of human justice often falls short. As we look to the wider world around us we are reminded that in many places the situation is even far worse. Psalm 9 directs our hope for justice to God. He is able to intervene now in human affairs. Sometimes we see the wicked among the nations “sunk in the pit they have made” (v.15.) In the future, we will see God display perfect justice on the final day of judgment. Either way, each person will have to give account for his or her actions. The psalm invites us to consider how we can live in the face of the injustice we experience now. In the New Testament, Peter encourages Christians to endure unjust suffering. Now it is hard to suffer in any circumstance, but when we suffer for something that was not our fault, there is a deep sting in that. Peter’s admonition is to look to Jesus as a helper in the midst of suffering. When Jesus had to endure ridicule and even torture from his oppressors, he did not lie, revile, or threaten (I Peter 2:22-23.) Instead, “he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” Through his suffering Jesus became both our savior (I Peter 2:24-25) and our example (I Peter 2:21.) It is proper for us to desire and seek after justice in this life. We should not be complacent in the face of injustices. But we should also be realistic. We will, at times, experience a failure of justice that cannot be rectified. When this happens, we have an opportunity to draw near to Jesus and follow him by “entrusting ourselves to him who judges justly.” ABIDING SING | Psalm 121
LECTIO DIVINA | Psalm 121 We memorize things we value. The brain has an incredible ability to remove information that we don’t need. As we make an effort to memorize the Psalms, the beginning of each week seeks to establish the value of God's Word in our hearts before we view it as information to be remembered. Read more about the Lectio Divina HERE. Receive God's Word from Psalm 121 as a gift as you read or listen.
SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. COMMISSION | Psalm 121:7–8 [ESV] The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. WEEKEND FEAST LITURGY
PRACTICE HOSPITALITY Prepare for worship tomorrow by seeking ways to be hospitable with those in your community today. If possible, invite someone to share a meal with you and intentionally engage Psalm 120 with them. WORD Read: Psalm 8 2nd Reading: Hebrews 2:5-10 “What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.” (v.4-5) Psalm 8 contemplates the position of human beings in the cosmos. The psalm is bookended with the refrain of celebration to God, “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” In comparison humans are pretty small. When you stop to think about it - when you look at all of creation, the moon and stars in the vastness of space - it is pretty amazing that God has any concern for humans at all. But he does. In spite of our seeming insignificance, God “cares” for people (v.4). And more than that, God has given human beings a sacred responsibility. Drawing on the creation mandate from Genesis 1:26-27, David reminds us that humans have been given “dominion” (v.6) over the creation. Though we are part of the created world, human beings are made in the image of God, and are said to be “a little lower than the angels (v.5.)” To be a created being in the image of God is to have both humility and surprising dignity. When the author of Hebrews considers this psalm through the lens of the incarnation of Jesus Christ, we get an entirely different perspective on it. Though human beings have essential dignity in the image of God, when Jesus took on human flesh it was a major step down to be “a little lower than the angels.” And his humility does not end there. He descended ever further, into suffering, death and the grave. And yet, in doing this Jesus perfectly fulfills our calling as humans. In his resurrection and ascension Jesus is given all power and authority (Mt 28:18-20.) The author of Hebrews admits that we don’t see everything in subjection to Jesus now. What we see is a world full of human beings misusing their power every chance they get. In our sin and rebellion we harm each other and the created world around us. But one day, the glory and honor that Jesus has now in heaven will be revealed throughout the earth. And the earth will be renewed. During the weekend spend some time considering the following and discuss this with others:
GRACE FOR MEAL Father of blessing, we recognize that we do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from your mouth. As we receive this food from the earth into our bodies, may your Word shape what comes out of our hearts though the tongue. We offer these gifts to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, amen. PARTICIPATE in Psalm 120 When appropriate, share the way you contextualized Psalm 120 with those you have eaten with. Do you have a reflection, poem, song, picture, or something else to engage the Psalm with communally? GATHERING
RESPONSIVE CALL James 1:26, 3:5–8 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. [...] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. SILENT MEDITATION or MUSICAL MEDITATION: (listen to this meditation from Psalm 120) ASSURANCE John 17:6, 11b [ESV] I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. [...] Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. SING: Gloria Patri Glory be to the Father And to the Son and to the Holy Ghost As it was in the beginning Is now and ever shall be world without end Amen Amen WORD Day 5 (Psalm 7 and 64) – “Refuge for the righteous” Read Psalm 7 2nd Reading: Psalm 64 “O LORD my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver…if I have plundered my enemy without cause,… let him trample my life to the ground.” Psalm 7 and 64 have similar themes and language so they are group together in our reading today. The focus will be on Psalm 7. Both psalms ask for God to be our “refuge”, and both describe God defeating our enemies with very human poetic expressions such as “shooting my enemy with arrows.” However, there is another theme that can be difficult to understand. Particularly in psalm 7, David pleads for help because of his own righteousness. The basis of his petition for God’s help is that there is no “wrong in his hands.” How can we say this psalm as a prayer, when we also confess that we sin daily in “thought, word, and deed”? (WSC #82) There are two ways to look at this. First, it may be that David is thinking narrowly about his innocence in a particular matter. In this particular conflict, some enemy is trying to hurt him, and it is not something that is directly related to David’s sin. In the NT, Peter says that sometimes we suffer because of our own mistakes. Other times, we suffer and it is not our fault.[1] (Presumably, sometimes there is a mixture of both.) It is not hard to imagine times that we might experience uncomfortable consequences of our own bad decisions. It may be that we are meant to read this as David expression that this particular situation is one where he is suffering unjustly. There is a particular sting when we did the right thing and suffer anyway. But David believes that God is able to help. But this psalm also teaches us to look past David to see his greater descendent, the true anointed King – Jesus. Jesus can help us whether we are suffering justly or unjustly. He can forgive our sins, and he can sustain us when we share in the fellowship of unjust suffering with him. More importantly, Jesus could plead his righteousness – not just in a limited situation like David, but – in all situations. As the “man of sorrows” Jesus suffered deeply. But in every situation he could plead his innocence before God. And therefore he is perfectly equipped to be our great high priest. As our priest he continues to pray for his people as we suffer – both in our guilt and in our innocence. [1] I Peter 3:17 “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” ABIDING SING | Psalm 120MEMORIZE | Psalm 120 - Spend time memorizing the words of Psalm 120 as best you can - SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. COMMISSION As you go into your calling and vocation, take special care to observe the ways you are tempted to join in words of war from those you live with. GATHERING
RESPONSIVE CALL James 1:26, 3:5–8 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. [...] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. SILENT MEDITATION or MUSICAL MEDITATION: (listen to this meditation from Psalm 120) ASSURANCE John 17:6, 11b [ESV] I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. [...] Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. SING: Gloria Patri Glory be to the Father And to the Son and to the Holy Ghost As it was in the beginning Is now and ever shall be world without end Amen Amen WORD Read Psalm 6 2nd Reading: Psalm 5 Be gracious to me for I am languishing, heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O Lord – how long? (Ps 6:2-3) Psalms 5 and 6 are both psalms of David in which we see expressions of unrest and longing desire for God to change his circumstances. (Going forward, we will focus particularly on Psalm 6.) This unrest is particularly evident when David describes himself as “languishing” and asks God, “How long?” Apparently, he is locked in a situation in which he has a really heavy need, but God has not provided an immediate answer. How do we pray when we don’t see an answer? Psalm 6 can help us to find words for that sort of prayer. It is not a prayer that is neat and tidy. But the prayer invites us to pour the angst of our hearts out to God. We are not called to be stoics who deny the reality of pain and fear and disappointment. Instead, David cries in bed every night and is wasting away “because of grief.” But then, the mood of the psalm changes. David expresses confidence that God has heard the prayer (v. 8-9) and that he will act. He has confidence that God will defeat his enemies. Perhaps those very enemies were the reason for his pronounced anguish and tears (v. 2-7) It is important to remember, that a very long period time could have transpired during which David did not see an answer to his prayers. Psalm 6 can help us to pray as we are waiting for an answer. It reminds us that feelings of deep grief are not abnormal in the Christian life. But we can bring those emotions to God. He is able to help. We may not immediately feel the same confidence that David came to express, but we can be reminded that we are not alone and that God promises to help us in our times of need. ABIDING SING | Psalm 120
MEMORIZE | Psalm 120 - Spend time memorizing the words of Psalm 120 as best you can - SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. COMMISSION As you go into your calling and vocation, take special care to observe the ways you are tempted to join in words of war from those you live with. GATHERING RESPONSIVE CALL James 1:26, 3:5–8 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. [...] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. SILENT MEDITATION or MUSICAL MEDITATION: listen to this meditation from Psalm 120 ASSURANCE John 17:6, 11b [ESV] I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. [...] Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. SING: Gloria Patri Glory be to the Father And to the Son and to the Holy Ghost As it was in the beginning Is now and ever shall be world without end Amen Amen WORD Read Psalm 3 2nd Reading: Psalm 4 “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalms 3 and 4 are psalms that have many references to sleeping. As such they have been used by the church as prayers that can be offered first thing in the morning and last thing at night. This is a way of showing that all of life is meant to be a platform for prayer. As the Apostle Paul wrote, we should "pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17)." That does not mean that the best Christian life is spent doing nothing but praying on your knees. Rather, it means that all times and locations are good locations for prayer. These two psalms also offer direct prayers to God. The voice of the psalms is one in which the speaker is addressing God. This is quite common in the psalms and one of the reasons that it is so easy to use them in our prayers and songs of praise. But, that is not on the only perspective found in the psalms. Sometimes, the psalmist seems to shift his focus and address other humans. For example, “O men, how long shall my honor be turned to shame? (v.4:2)” The change of reference can at times feel jarring in the psalms, but if we think about it, it is quite relatable. If we are to be people who pray at all times, we will find ourselves alternating between addressing God and addressing the people around us. (I’m not suggesting that you pray out loud in the midst of a conversation and without warning – that would be disorienting for people around us.) We should be people who live in communion with God and recognize that all of our life situations are opportunities for prayer. ABIDING SING | Psalm 120
CONTEXTUALIZE | Psalm 120 Consider ways that you can let the Psalm form your imagination, that you might share it with others. Perhaps you can journal about it, write poetry or prose, learn a song, create visual art, or reexpress it in ways that speak to your context. If you are planning to fellowship with other people this weekend, consider how you might share these imaginations with your community. SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. COMMISSION As you go into your calling and vocation, take special care to observe the ways you are tempted to join in words of war from those you live with. GATHERING
RESPONSIVE CALL James 1:26, 3:5–8 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. [...] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. SILENT MEDITATION or MUSICAL MEDITATION: (listen to this meditation from Psalm 120) ASSURANCE John 17:6, 11b [ESV] I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. [...] Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. SING: Gloria Patri Glory be to the Father And to the Son and to the Holy Ghost As it was in the beginning Is now and ever shall be world without end Amen Amen WORD Read" Psalm 2 2nd Reading: Acts 4:23-31 Psalm 2 begins with a question: “why do the nations rage and plot against the Lord’s anointed?” It is a reminder that the two characters found in Psalm 1 (the righteous and the wicked continue to be found in later chapters.) The psalms are not merely personal reflection of a mind set on God. Rather, they are found against the backdrop of human conflict. Often the setting is one in which the psalmist feels like they are being oppressed by their enemies. Rather than ignore this, or stuff those feels in the sock drawer, the psalms assume this setting and show us how to pray to God from that position. The key point in this psalm is that God is aligned with his people.[1] This means that following God will bring a measure of opposition. But it also means that the opposition that comes because of our commitment to following Jesus is an opposition that he can deal with. After all, God is not intimidated by human enemies. Jesus has been seated at the right hand of God and has been given all rule and authority. Currently, that rule is contested, but one day the absolute power of God will be fully revealed. Until then, Jesus is working through all events for the purpose of establishing and building up his church. When the early church first began to face opposition from the religious authorities, they gathered together and prayed Psalm 2. (See Acts 4:25-26.) They made the direct connection that Jesus is the Christ, the “anointed one” referenced in verse 2. He is also the “son”[2] who has received the nations as an inheritance (v.8), and before whom all the nations will be broken (v.9.) They will tremble and serve him (v.11.) When we face opposition for our faith, we are reminded that Jesus has all rule and authority and he is able to deal with our problems. We can join the early church in praying for boldness, knowing that “greater is he who is in us, than he who is in the world.” (I John 4:4) ABIDING SING | Psalm 120
READ | Psalm 120 Spend time understanding and memorizing the outline of Psalm 120, taking special note of the flow or transition points. If you are in a group, discuss the main themes and emphasis together. SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. COMMISSION As you go into your calling and vocation, take special care to observe the ways you are tempted to join in words of war from those you live with. [1] This is central to the covenant promise first made to Abraham in Gen 12 & 15. “I will be your God, and you will be my people… I will bless those who bless your and curse those who curse you.” Jesus also repeatedly warned his followers that the opposition he faced would be felt by his followers. “I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you (John 15:19.)” [2] It can be a little confusing when we read that the son was “begotten today.” Does that mean that the eternal son of God was a created being? Well, further examination shows that cannot be the meaning of the passage. The context is one in which a king is given power and authority. It would make no sense, in the original context, for the anointed king of Israel to be addressed by God on the day of his birth. Rather, this refers to the day of receiving power. The phrase “son of God” can be applied to human kings in the Bible, but finds its ultimate significance in Jesus. He is the eternal son of God who became the head of all people, and was given all power and authority (Matt 28:18-20) after his ascension into heaven. GATHERING
RESPONSIVE CALL James 1:26, 3:5–8 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. [...] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. SILENT MEDITATION -- or MUSICAL MEDITATION (listen to this meditation from Psalm 120) ASSURANCE John 17:6, 11b [ESV] I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. [...] Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. SING: Gloria Patri Glory be to the Father And to the Son and to the Holy Ghost As it was in the beginning Is now and ever shall be world without end Amen Amen WORD Read: Psalm 1. 2nd Reading: John 15:1-11 “Blessed is the man [whose]… delight is in the law of the Lord… He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields it fruits in its season. The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff that the wind drives away.” The first psalm in the psalter (the book of 150 Psalm in the OT) sets the stage for what is to follow. The psalms depicts a way of life that is aligned with God. This way is blessed and fruitful. But it is contrasted with the way of life that is alienated from God. This second way is not blessed. The comparison used in this psalm is one of a fruitful tree and a dry bush. The first is rooted and flourishing. The second is blown away on the wind like sagebrush. What is the key factor that determines whether one is rooted and fruitful? What is the difference between "alienation" and "alignment"? Connection to God through is word. The man who is blessed “delights in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night (vs.2.)” Immediately, we are struck with themes related to worship. There is life that flows from God’s word, which leads to fruitfulness. One of the great principles of the psalter is that the words of these psalms can form prayers and songs which guide our interaction with God. Our goal in this reading program is to spend time focusing on God. This will include meditating on God’s word, in particular the psalms themselves. Our desire is spiritual connection and fruitfulness like a tree planted by water. But, a second thought must surely follow the first. Honesty requires reflection and self-awareness. Is it true that we always avoid walking in the counsel of the wicked, standing with sinners or sitting with scoffers (v.1)? I don’t think that this is about physical proximity (after all Jesus sat down to dinner with sinners), but rather it is concerned with whether we enter into the lifestyle of those around us. Do we get enveloped by worldliness? Sometimes? This necessarily leads us to the second great lesson from the psalms. The psalms are bound up with God’s revelation in Jesus. Jesus not only prayed the psalms, but the NT authors understood the deepest meaning of the psalms to be bound up with Christ. The psalms are fulfilled in Jesus (Luke 24:44-47.) In many cases, the NT authors show that the psalms are about Jesus. We will explore this much more in coming weeks, but for the purpose of psalm 1, let us remember that Jesus is the blessed man of the psalms. He dwelt among sinners but never entered into their sin. He never condoned their behavior, or adopted it… even while loving and serving them. He is the tree planted by streams of water, and by faith we are connected in him. As we read God’s word through this Christological lens, we are “abiding in Jesus.” His life gives us life. Like a branch connected to the true vine, we bear fruit in our union with him. (See John 15:1-11.) ABIDING SING | Psalm 120
LECTIO DIVINA | Psalm 120 We memorize things we value. The brain has an incredible ability to remove information that we don’t need. As we make an effort to memorize the Psalms, the beginning of each week seeks to establish the value of God's Word in our hearts before we view it as information to be remembered. Read more about the Lectio Divina HERE.
SENDING LORD'S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen. COMMISSION As you go into your calling and vocation, take special care to observe the ways you are tempted to join in words of war from those you live with. |
City Reformed Presbyterian ChurchThe 90 Days project is a collaborative effort of many church leaders. Matt Koerber and Daniel Snoke have taken lead roles, with others helping to write daily devotionals. Archives
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