Monday, August 21, 2023

Tuesday prior to Proper 16

 

Psalm 138—The beginning three verses and ending two verses of this psalm of David are David’s vow to praise the Lord for His deliverance and protection. The middle three verses, like the Introit call upon all the kings of the earth to give thanks and sing of the ways and the glory of the LORD. His love and mercy extend to all peoples of all time. Christ is the Redeemer of the entire world.

There is an ethical statement of importance in the psalm: “For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.” -v6

That God distinguishes between the proud and the humble seems like a common truth to us but in the ancient world it was an astounding statement. In ancient cultures, the principle that “might makes right” seemed to be almost universal. For the God of the Hebrews to assert that he ‘regarded’ the lowly was a counter-cultural statement.

David makes a bold statement of confidence: “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me.” -v8

David was certain, in light of God’s promises, of God’s care for him in the past, and of his experiences of God’s care and deliverance, that God had a purpose for his life. God was actively working to make that a reality and David was confident that he would bring all of his plans for him to pass. [1]

Collect for Psalm 138Lord God, you keep the porud at a distance and look upon the lowly with favor. Stretch out your hand to us in our suffering, perfect in us the work of your love, and bring us to life in Jesus Christ our Lord.[2]

 



[1] http://psalmreflections.blogspot.com/2010/03/psalm-138.html
2  For All the Saints, A Prayer Book for and by the Church, Vol. II © 1995 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
he illustration above carries the title of our Lord: the Anointed One, or, in Greek, ὁΧριστός, the Christ. Copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
 

 

 


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