1Psalm 28:1-2, 6-7, Antiphon, Psalm 28:8 – The Lord is the strength of His people, He is the saving refuge of His anointed. The entire psalm is a prayer for deliverance from deadly peril at the hands of malicious and God-defying enemies. To rebel against the Lord’s Anointed is also to rebel against the One who anointed him. The Lord’s anointed is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The English word “Messiah” comes from the Hebrew word for “anointed one” and the English word “Christ” comes from the Greek word for “anointed one”. (See also Matthew 1:17)
God’s standard of excellence is the theme for this coming Sunday. In the Old Testament lesson (Isaiah 35:4-7a), God’s people are called to be strong and not to fear as God promises to come to His people. The language which is used is similar to that used of the coming Messiah. In the Epistle lesson (James 2:1-10 14-18) excellence is seen in how the believer behaves. Favoritism is forbidden; rather keeping the law is what is expected. The Christian faith is not merely a philosophical exercise of the mind. Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
In the Gospel lesson (Mark 7:31-37) a standard of excellence has been stamped on everything Jesus has done. He fulfills the prediction given in the Old Testament lesson. This causes the believer to express praise and adoration to the Lord who has done all things well as expressed in the hymn of the day, which is based on this week’s appointed psalm (Psalm 146).
Collect for Psalm 28: Strong Shepherd of your people, when you Son stretched out his hands on the cross, you heard him and he did not become like those who go down into the pit. By his resurrection strengthen your people to offer you thanks for the mighty works that you have done, and make our hearts dance for joy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 2
Sources:
1. The Crucifixion Schnorr von Carolsfeld woodcut copyright © from WELS used with permission for personal and congregational use
2. Collect for Psalm 28, For All The Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. IV, The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, © 1986 Delhi, NY
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