Psalm
30:2-5; antiphon, Psalm 30:11a, 12b—In
the Introit for Sunday, we pray, “You have turned for me my mourning into
dancing O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” God answers and
the psalmist David vows to prolong his praise forever. Dancing and joy replace
wailing and sackcloth so that songs of praise not silence may attend the acts
of God.
Psalm 30 – Remembering the Greatness of God at a Great
Event
This psalm has a unique title: A Psalm. A Song at the dedication of the house of David. Though the
title of the psalm (as it is in the English translation) indicates it was
written for the dedication of David’s palace, Charles Spurgeon (and Adam
Clarke) thought that it was actually written prophetically for the dedication
of the temple – which David prepared for, but Solomon built. Nevertheless, we
take this psalm as being written for the dedication of David’s palace. It says
nothing about the house itself; rather the focus is on God and the greatness of
His deliverance. At the dedication of David’s house, David wanted God to be
praised, not himself.
Matthew Poole comments on A Song: “This Hebrew word schir may be here taken not simply for a song, but for a joyful
song, as it is in Genesis 31:27; Exodus 15:1; Psalm 33:3.”
Forgiveness is the theme running through the lessons
for this coming week. God’s attitude toward sinners is shown in Jesus’
association with sinners and in His joy when sinners repent. If God did not
forgive sinners would be destroyed by God’s wrath. In the Old Testament lesson (Ezekiel
34:11-24) the Lord promises to send a true
shepherd who will not only tend to them but search them out and rescue them. Of
course, our true shepherd is the good shepherd our savior Jesus Christ. God
forgives and accepts His own people. In the Epistle (1 Timothy
1:12-17) Paul tells of the mercy of
forgiveness he received by his faith in Christ even though he called himself
the chief sinner. The basic factors of forgiveness are found in all our
lessons. Forgiveness discloses the nature of God – a God of mercy. On the other
hand, forgiveness reveals the nature of humans as sinners standing in need of
forgiveness. God’s act is forgiveness. Our part is repentance.
Collect for Psalm 30: God our
Father, glorious in giving life and even more glorious in restoring it. In his
last night on earth your Son knew anguish and deep sorrow. Do not turn away
from us, or we shall fall back into dust; but rather turn our mouring into joy
by raising us up with your Son, Christ our Lord. [2]
Collect for Monday of the week of Pentecost 13: Lord our God, all truth is
from you and you alone bring oneness of heart. Give your people the joy of hearing
your word in every sound and lf longing for your presence more than for life
itself. May all the attractions of a changing world serve only to bring us the
peace of your Kingdom which this world does not give. Grant this through Christ our Lord. [3] -05 September 2022
[2] Collect for Psalm 30, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. II © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
[3] Ibid Collect for Monday of the Week of Pentecost 13
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