Psalm 146 -The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit is taken from Vs.2, “I will praise the Lord all my life, I will sing praise to My God as long as I live.” This Psalm is an encouragement to trust in the Lord. This is the first of five Hallelujah Psalms which closes out the book of Psalms. Having walked with the Savior observing His Passion during Lent we now rejoice in the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation which is ours through the cross and empty tomb.
During our time of hosting virtual services on our local radio station and through social media we have been utilizing the order of Matins. The hymn or song of praise used in this order is the Te Deum which is a Latin phrase meaning literally, “we praise you.”
In our worship we praise the Lord for all of the blessings He has showered down upon us. Our circumstances often time can overwhelm us, so we are at least persuaded to place our confidence in something or someone “other.”
This psalm contrasts trust in human beings with trust in the LORD.
“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish” (Psalm 146.3–4).
Though the psalm begins with “Put not your trust in princes,” it is evident that the focus is not on a supreme human ruler but on the fact that he is just a mere man (note the parallel to ‘princes’ is ‘a son of man’).
Another human is not a firm source of confidence since, like all others, he too will die and his plans not come to fruition.
On the other hand, the LORD alone is worthy of trust:
He is the creator of all things (v 6)
He metes out justice on earth (v 7)
He supplies food to the poor and hungry (v 7)
When one who has been wrongly imprisoned is set free, it is the LORD’s doing (v 7).
When a blind person is made well, it is only a result of the LORD’s will (v 8)
When a person has been cast down by troubles or oppression, only the LORD can make him stand erect (v 8)
The LORD takes the side of the widow and fatherless when they are wronged (v 9)
But he stands against the wicked person in his attempt to gain unjustly (v 9)
“The LORD reigns forever…to all generations!” (v 10).
This psalm is a reminder that only the LORD is a firm source of confidence in life.
The hymn writer encourages us:
Trust not in rulers; they are but mortal;
Earth-born they are and soon decay.
Vain are their counsels at life's last portal,
When the dark grave engulfs its prey.
Since mortals can no help afford,
Place all your trust in Christ, our Lord.
Allelujah, allelujah!
Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace always proceeds and follows us, help us to forsake all trust in earthly gain and to find in You our heavenly treasure; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
-Te Deum copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
-Praise the Almighty, My Soul Adore Him, Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
-Collect for Proper 23 Series B Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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