Psalm
75:1–2, 6, 9; antiphon, Psalm 75:7—The readings for Sunday speak of being humble, and the
Introit sets the tone by reminding us that we are not to judge people according
to worldly standards; rather, It is God who executes judgment, putting down one
and lifting up another.
Psalm 75 –
The righteous judge exults and brings low
The title of this psalm is To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Psalm of Asaph. A
Song. Some suppose the Chief Musician to be the Lord GOD Himself, and
others suppose the reference to be a leader of choirs or musicians, such as
Heman the singer (1 Chronicles 6:33 and 25:6). The tune Do Not Destroy was also used in the Davidic Psalms 57, 58, and 59.
The author Asaph was the great singer and musician of David and Solomon’s era
(1 Chronicles 15:17-19, 16:5-7; 2 Chronicles 29:13). 1 Chronicles 25:1 and 2
Chronicles 29:30 add that Asaph was a prophet in his musical compositions.
But God is
the Judge: Every successful person,
everyone exalted in some way, should humbly look to God with gratitude. It is God who puts down one, and exalts
another. A humble mind and heart is the proper response, instead of
boastful words, the celebration of one’s own strength, or resistance against
God.
“Promotions in any direction, to positions of credit,
influence, or consideration, are the gift and the work of God.” [2]
We
Are Humbled and Exalted by the Cross of Christ
“Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled,”
Jesus proclaims, but “he who humbles himself shall be exalted” (Luke
14:11). Your hope is in the name of the Lord, who humbled Himself unto death on
the cross and was exalted in His resurrection. So are you humbled by His cross,
and “at the resurrection of the righteous,” He will say to you, “Friend,
move up higher” (Luke 14:10; 13–14). By His grace, the King will honor you
“in the place of great men,” where your eyes will gaze upon the Prince,
His dearly-beloved Son (Proverbs 25:7). As He has dealt so graciously with you,
“Do not neglect doing good and sharing” (Hebrews 13:16), and “do not
neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:2). Humble yourself
and exalt your neighbor.
Collect for
Psalm 75: Father, by the Passion of your Son you proclaimed the final judgment of
the world; when you raise Christ upon the cross, you deposed the prince of
darkness. Strike down the pride that rules our hearts, and raise us to the
glory of the resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen [3]
Collect for Monday of the week of Pentecost 11: Father, we come, reborn in the Spirit, to celebrate our sonship in the Lord Jesus Christ. Touch our hearts, help them grow toward the life you have promised. Touch our lives; make them signs of your love for all men. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen [4]
[1]
The marks of the Church, © copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[3]
Collect for Psalm 75, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church,
Vol. II © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
[4]
ibid
No comments:
Post a Comment