Psalm 112 – The Blessings
upon those who fear the Lord
Like Psalm 111 before it, Psalm 112 is an acrostic
psalm. James Montgomery Boice commented on the similarities between Psalms 111
and 112: “They are the same length, fall
into identical stanzas, and even have identical or similar phrases occurring at
the same places in each. Both are precise acrostics; that is, they have
twenty-two lines each of which begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew
alphabet.”[2]
Portions of the Introit for next Sunday are taken from
Psalm 112. David reminds us that "wealth and riches are in His house; and
His righteousness endures forever." Why do we come on a regular basis to
God's house? Is it not to receive the gifts of God? God is rich in mercy. He
can and will supply you with whatever you need. All of His mercy is for the
asking. Whatever your need might be, come and ask of Him who will give out of
the abundance of His mercy. Today He stands ready to supply you with whatever
you might need.
When Isaiah “saw
the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up,” he was overcome with
an awareness of his sin and “unclean
lips” (Isaiah 6:1, 5). But the Lord atoned for his sin, took away his guilt
and sanctified his lips with “a burning
coal” from the altar (Is. 6:6–7). Not only was he rescued from death, but
he was called and sent as a prophet of the Lord’s Word (Isaiah 6:8–9).
Similarly, when Simon Peter and his companions “enclosed a large number of fish” at the Word of Jesus, he humbled
himself and said, “Depart from me, for I
am a sinful man” (Luke 5:4–8). But Jesus comforted Simon, called him to
discipleship and declared that he would be “catching
men” (Luke 5:10–11). So in the Office of the Ministry, the Church remains
the little boat from which Jesus teaches His people (Luke 5:3). Thus are we
instructed in the faith, so that we say “Amen” and return thanks with heart,
mind, tongue and life. For the preaching of Christ Jesus is a manifestation of
the Holy Spirit, by which He builds up His Church on earth (1 Corinthians
14:12–19).
Jesus calls us to service. This is one of the accruing
themes of the season of Epiphany as Jesus has come and has manifested Himself
in His word and work as we behold His glory. Our response is to follow Him in
willful obedience and service. What is it that God is calling you to do this
week, this month, and this year? Take time thinking about this subject. In His
first miracle, Jesus' mother tells the servants, "Whatever He tells you,
do it." That is good advice for us to heed and follow.[3]
[2] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/psalm-112/
[3] Lectionary Summary LCMS Commission on Worship
[4] Collect for Psalm 112, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. I © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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