Jesus our Priestly King

Psalm 110 is quoted more in the New Testament than any other Old Testament passage.  It is a royal hymn centered around the words of Yahweh.  In it we discover prophecy and a divine oath.  While this psalm may have been sung at a king’s inauguration or possibly before a king went to war, we will be focusing on its future proclamation.

The psalmist begins with a declaration (נאס) from the Lord.  Right off the bat we learn this song was a prophecy, an oracle, of someone to come.  Yahweh making his declaration to my Lord (ארנ – Adonai).  One who has been Divinely appointed to sit at the right hand of the Father – an exalted position – until He defeats the enemies of Adonai.  Who is this divinely appointed Lord?

In Matthew 22, Jesus questioned the Pharisees – “What do you think about the Messiah?  Whose Son is He?”  (v.42 – HCSB)  They answered, “David’s”.  Jesus now quotes Psalm 110:1 as a reference to Himself.

Matthew 22:43-45, He asked them, “How is it then that David, inspired by the Spirit, calls Him ‘Lord’:  The Lord declared to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet;? “If David calls Him ‘Lord,’ how then can the Messiah be his Son?”  (HCSB)

Jesus is Yahweh’s representative to extend (ישלח), that is stretch out, His territory beyond the city limits of Zion (Israel).  Adonai has a volunteer army who believe in the cause.  They are an army born with a sacred purpose (vv. 2-3).  Womb of the dawn may refer to the dawn of the new kings rule, which will birth a holy army and expand God’s territory (Broyles).

But then, in verse 4, the Lord says His king representative is a priest as well, like Melchizedek.  A priest had authority to minister before the sacred places of Yahweh.  Who is this Priestly King?  The writer of Hebrews tells us.

Hebrews 5:5-6, In the same way, the Messiah did not exalt Himself to become high priest, but the One who said to Him,… You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.  (HCSB)

Unlike the priests in the line of Aaron, Jesus didn’t appoint Himself.  He was crowned with glory because of His suffering of death (Heb. 2:7, 9).  Unlike the Aaronic priests, the Messiah would be an eternal priest.  Yet, the real clue is Melchizedek, who was both a priest and king of Salem (later known as Jerusalem).  The Melchizedek Scroll, which is an extrabiblical text found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, depicts Melchizedek as a heavenly figure who is more exalted than angels.  The point the psalmist is making, as well as the Hebrew writer, is the Messiah’s priesthood was superior to the priesthood of Israel.  The name Melchizedek (Heb. malki-tsedeq :טלי-ערק), is significant.  The Hebrew tsedeq means “righteousness” and the city Salem can be translated “peace”.  The writers see the Messiah as the king of righteousness – the king of peace.

Isaiah 9:6-7, For a child will be born for us… He will be named… Prince of Peace… He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever… (HCSB)

So what does this mean to us?  Actually everything!  Hebrews 7 sums it up the best.  Melchizedek resembles the Messiah because of his unique priesthood and how he obtained it.  Abraham blessed Melchizedek (Gen. 14), not the other way around, which shows that his priesthood (along with the Messiah), was superior to the priesthood of Abraham and his descendants.  The Levites, who made up the priesthood, were mortal and eventually died, but Christ holds the office permanently.  The Levitical system wasn’t able to bring perfection, but Jesus (like Melchizedek), came from a different kind of priesthood.  Since the law was maintained by the Levitical priesthood, there must be a change now that a superior priest has arrived.  The former was only to bring about an outward cleansing, but the new did more than purify people, it removed sins.  The sacrifice of Jesus is greater, because He is holy and sinless, unlike the Levitical priests.  He doesn’t have to offer sacrifices everyday as they did, because He offered Himself!  Go back and read Hebrews 7.  The very next chapter sums it up:

Hebrews 8:1-2, Now the main point of what is being said is this: we have this kind of high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister of the sanctuary and the true tabernacle, which the Lord set up, and not man. (HCSB)

Our Priestly King!  The psalmist, as well as those early readers, would have to wait to see the reality of this prophetic song.  Today we bow down before our Priestly King, thanking Him for His goodness, mercy and grace.

Inner Peace

The older we get it seems we find more things to worry about.  When I was a child I did not concern myself with things like – getting a paycheck, taking care of a family, health insurance, politics or what was happening thousands of miles away (much less across the street).  I didn’t say things like, “What if this happens?”; “What if that happens?”; “Why would God allow…?”

In High School I heard things about the Cold War but I wasn’t too concerned about it.  I was excited when the Berlin Wall came down, but I couldn’t tell you its history.  Most of my “knowledge” came from movies, but no big deal, the American hero always won.  My main worries were pimples, girls and making it to the next grade.

Then came college and my anxieties had grown.  The war in Iraq happened.  Even thought it wouldn’t last long, I was surrounded by students on campus who had friends and family involved.  And what if I get drafted?  Once that was over the typical stresses set it – “What am I going to do after college?”; “Will I be able support myself?”; “What if I was meant to do something else?”; etc.

Then came marriage. “How are we going to be able to make this on a youth ministers salary?”; “The leaders keep talking about budget issues, what if…?”; “I’m afraid people don’t take me seriously because of my age.”

You know what comes next – children.  This led to all kinds of new concerns.  “How are we going to afford a child?”; “Why won’t my baby stop crying?”.   As they grew older new concerns came – school, driving, dating, not having perfect “preachers kids” (which no one has), moving, new jobs, college, etc.

I am now to an age where my health is important.  What about retirement?  More kids in college.  One child getting married.  You know.  Life.

 I hear others talk about their anxieties.  “What if _________ is elected?”; “What if the health care system fails?”; “What if we enter World War III?”; “What if the president builds a wall?”; “What if the president doesn’t build a wall?”; “How am I going to handle this death?”; “What if my cancer isn’t treatable?”; “What if my spouse leaves me?”; etc., etc., etc.  My purpose is not to belittle our concerns, but to help us find peace.

The other day I was studying the songs of ascents when I came across Psalm 131.  It is only three verses, but it contains a powerful message for today.  So many times, when things go wrong, we want to act on it.  Filled with stress, we start making plans and charting out what needs to be done.  I am not saying it is wrong to deal with circumstances, but to put things in perspective.  The psalmist writes:

Yahweh, my heart is not proud;

my eyes are not haughty.

I do not get involved with things

too great or too difficult for me.

Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself

like a little weaned child with its mother;

I am like a little child.

Israel, put your hope in the Lord,

both now and forever.

-Psalm 131:1-3 (HCSB)

The psalmist testifies to an inner tranquility in a world filled with issues.  How?  He doesn’t try to understand things that are beyond his comprehension.  It is a simple trust in Yahweh.  He is ok for certain things to remain a mystery.  Everything does not have to be resolved in his mind.  Anxiety is the result of trying to be in control.  It is feeling the weight of the world.  Right now many people are carrying heavy burdens.

Let’s go back to my opening thought of being a small child without the worries of the world.  That was a peaceful time.  The psalmist pictures Yahweh as a mother with her little weaned child. Maybe a toddler or slightly older but still small enough that standing beside its mother is calming.  A happy trust.  This child doesn’t understand the major issues in life, but they trust she has it covered and will ultimately make everything alright.

What a beautiful picture for us today.  Just stand beside our Mother-God and know the mysterious and difficult things are known by the All-Knowing and All-Powerful Creator.  Be calmed and quieted within.

An Inaugural Prayer

No matter your political views, or if your candidate won or lost, Psalm 72 is a prayer that should be prayed by God’s people every four years (or more).  It is a coronation or inaugural prayer used for Davidic kings of Israel and/or Judah and is the last entry in Book II of the V books of Psalms.

A new king/president is about to be sworn into the highest office in our country.  This prayer keeps us focused on what is truly important.  It is not filled with policies of a political party but things that make a nation great.

The prayer begins asking God to help the new king/president to rule justly:

God, give Your justice to the king

and Your righteousness to the king’s son.

He will judge Your people with righteousness

and Your afflicted ones with justice.

May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,

and the hills, righteousness.

May he vindicate the afflicted among the people,

help the poor,

and crush the oppressor.

-Psalm 72:1-4  (HCSB)

The true measure of the kings of Yahweh, was not how many military victories they had won or public buildings and cities they established, but how they had protected the weak within their kingdom.  Powerful people do not need help, they can care of themselves, but not the poor and the oppressed.  That is what justice and righteousness is about.  The king/president is to have a heart for those who cannot defend themselves.  He is to vindicate them, which means to defend, rescue, save, to stop the hurting.  Our prayer should be, “God, please give our new president a heart for those who are weak in our country.  May he help those who cannot help themselves.  Give him a sense of fairness and a moral compass that is in line with You.”

The psalmist now moves us to pray a blessing upon our new king/president:

May he continue while the sun endures,

as long as the moon, throughout all generations.

May he be like rain that falls on the cut grass,

like spring showers that water the earth.

May the righteous flourish in his days,

and prosperity abound

until the moon is no more.

-Psalm 72:5-7  (HCSB)

When the king/president is blessed, so are his subjects.  I love the sentence, May he be like rain that falls on the cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth.  Think about this analogy.  We want the reign of our king/president to be like the gentle rains that fall to the earth and refresh the dry ground.  Even so, for the righteous to thrive during his rule.  So we pray, “Yahweh, send Your blessings upon our new president.  May these blessings overflow throughout our nation and may it invigorate us.  May these blessings allow Your people to increase during all of his time in office.”

Every king, especially in ancient times, wanted their kingdom to be extended.  That idea is how the prayer continues:

And may he rule from sea to sea

and from the Euphrates

to the ends of the earth.

May desert tribes kneel before him

and his enemies lick the dust.

May the kings of Tarshish

and the coasts and islands bring tribute,

the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.

And let all kings bow down to him,

all nations serve him.

-Psalm 72:8-11  (HCSB)

This comes across as arrogant to the modern day reader, but remember this was a different time.  It is actually a message of peace throughout the nations.  For us, we want our king/president to be influential on the world stage.  The United States is a world leader, in many respects, and it can be used for good.  So we can all pray, “Father, help our new president to use his power to be a positive influence on the world.  Be with his dealings with world leaders.  Help him make wise decisions on foreign policies.  Give the president power to deal with tyrants and compassion to countries that need relief.”

They prayer now goes back to the king’s/president’s duty of protecting the weak:

For he will rescue the poor who cry out

and the afflicted who have no helper.

He will have pity on the poor and helpless

and save the lives of the poor.

He will redeem them from oppression and violence,

for their lives are precious in his sight.

Psalm 72:12-14  (HCSB)

When the psalmist speaks of the poor, he isn’t just talking about people who have no money.  The prayer is to help the poor who are oppressed by the rich.  There were those who made a lot of money off the people they hired to do the work.  It wasn’t wrong for the rich to make money, even more than the people they employed, but they were paying them very little while stuffing their own pockets.  On top of that, they were cruel to their workers.  We want a king/president, who not only provides jobs to our country, but to also make sure workers are treated fairly.  So we pray, “Yahweh, among the blessings bestowed upon our new president, may he create job opportunities for the people of our country.  May he ensure the blue collar worker get paid a fair amount while bringing prosperity to those providing jobs.  Allow these workers financial opportunities without fear of being mistreated.  May our president protect them.”

We have prayed for God to bless our new king/president, but now the psalmist offers up a prayer of blessing upon the people of the king’s/president’s rule:

May he live long!

May gold from Sheba be given to him.

May prayer be offered for him continually,

and may he be blessed all the day long.

May there be plenty of grain in the land;

may it wave on the tops of the mountains.

May its crops be like Lebanon.

May people flourish in the cities

like the grass of the field.

May his name endure forever;

as long as the sun shines,

may his fame increase.

May all nations be blessed by him

and call him blessed.

-Psalm 72:15-17  (HCSB)

We vote for a certain candidate because we believe that person has the best chance to bless our nation.  For Israel, bumper crops not only meant prosperity for the nation, but it also allowed other countries to know the Living God.  We not only want a president to bring in jobs, but also for those companies to flourish.  This is a blessing Americans have enjoyed for generations.  This has also provided opportunities for us to share the story of Jesus on a world stage.  So we pray for continued blessings, “Father, You are the giver of good gifts.  We acknowledge You as our Provider.  You have blessed this nation with many opportunities to care for our families, and have some left over.  We ask you to continue to bless our new president as he helps to build and sustain our economy.  Bless those businesses that are just and fair, so they can bring Your message of hope.”

The psalmist ends this prayer in praise to Yahweh:

May the Lord God, the God of Israel, be praised,

who alone does wonders.

May His glorious name be praised forever;

the whole earth is filled with His glory.

Amen and amen.

-Psalm 72:18-19  (HCSB)

We need this prayer more than ever in our country.  It acknowledges that the Lord God is the One who truly blesses this nation with His providence and mercy.  The glorious name of Yahweh is to be praised and not suppressed by a king/president.  Then the psalmist ends with something we do not see very often, the double amen.  One rabbi said the first one belongs to this world, and the second to that which is to come.  May we pray, “Lord God, we know we are not your chosen nation of Israel, but we have witnessed your goodness to other countries, including our own.  We pray our new president can be humble and acknowledge You as the true King of the universe.  May he thank you daily for the blessings given and praise Your glorious name.  Amen and amen.”

No matter how many times we utter this prayer, we realize human kings and presidents are flawed.  This is a Solomonic psalm.  We find many great attributes about King Solomon, but also many failings.  Every president of the United States has had genuine moments of goodness and mistakes.  We acknowledge that fact, which is why we pray for our leaders.

But our psalm is unique.  Psalm 72 goes deeper than the reign of a worldly king and looks forward to the eternal reign of the Messiah – the King of kings.  Remember, this was originally intended to be prayed for the Davidic kings of Israel.  The ultimate heir of King David would come and bring the light of God to the nations of the earth.  This King is perfect and currently seated at the right hand of the Father.  His rule is always just and fair.  The Messiah King doesn’t just follow righteousness but He is righteousness.  This is the One who vindicates/redeems/saves us.  His is a Kingdom of peace, devoid of war and pain.  Jesus is more than refreshing rain, but the Living Water that nourishes our souls eternally.  His Kingdom expands Israel, and even the United States, to the boarders of the earth.  The rule of the Messiah King is perfect and never disappoints.  One day the King is coming again and He will overturn all the bad decisions every made by the kings of the earth.  No more elections.  No more scandals.  The Eternal King has come and His blessings overflow.  Until then, we pray for our current president.

Peace on Earth!

One of the famous quotes in the birth story of the Messiah, comes from a multitude of angelic beings that lit up the Bethlehem skies.  They are praising God!  Can you imagine what it would have been like to watch the hosts of heaven worship?!  They said:

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!  (Lk. 2:14)

What a comforting message… peace on earth.  We often hear others talk about world peace and believers praying for it.  Is it possible?  The Messiah was born into a very violent world that was not any less brutal from the night He lay in a feeding trough until His ascension.  The reason is, peace cannot happen through good intentions or everyone working for tranquility.  That was not the type of peace on earth the angels sang about.  Jesus did not wear tie-dye robes, a peace symbol around His neck, and say things like, “Can’t we all just get along?”  Actually, He spoke about swords (Matt. 10:34) and wars, and rumors of wars (Matt. 24:6-7).  Why?  Because human nature doesn’t like the Messiah’s way to true peace – loving God with all your heart (Matt. 22:37), which is also a love for His Word (Ps. 119:165; Jn. 14:15).  We are living in a fallen world.  Until that is removed, there will always be conflict.  That includes this conflict within our souls when we allow sin to separate us from the Father.  When the Savior stepped into our world He came bringing the Good News of peace (R0m. 10:15).  A peace that will be fully realized at His 2nd coming (I Cor. 15:50-57).

This leads us to Psalm 87.  It is a celebration of praise for Yahweh’s presence in Jerusalem and on Mount Zion – the Temple Mount.  The psalm is an oracle of a future peace.

“I will mention those who know Me:

Rahab, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Cush –

each one was born there.”

And it will be said of Zion,

“This one and that one were born in her.”

The Most High Himself will establish her.  (Ps. 87:4-5)

The psalmist catches the reader off guard.  These countries were the longtime enemies of Yahweh and Zion. They were Gentile nations who followed after pagan gods.  But the psalmists says they know Yahweh… that they have become citizens of the holy city of Jerusalem… that the Most High Himself will sustain this community.

We find similarities to the prophecies of Isaiah.  The prophet foresaw the nations of the earth making a pilgrimage to the Temple (Isa. 2:1-4)… coming into God’s house to pray (Isa. 56:3-8).  This coincides with the registers Yahweh records (v. 6), which may be the “Book of Life” that contains the names of the righteous (Ps. 40:7; 56:8; 69:27-28).  Craig Broyles points out the “temple entry procedures, at the gate, where the ‘righteous’ were identified and permitted to enter and worship.”  Yahweh promises to add those, within the nations, who surrender their lives to the Prince of Peace.

A few days, after the birth of Immanuel, a man named Simeon holds the newborn King in his arms.  Like the angels, he breaks out in praise to God.

For my eyes have seen Your salvation.

You have prepared [it]

in the presence of all peoples-

a light of revelation to the Gentiles (nations)

and glory to Your people Israel.  (Lk. 2:30-32)

The arrival of the Son of God had a worldwide significance.  This baby was born to bring peace on earth through His ministry, life, death, resurrection and ascension.  The Messiah King is coming back again to fulfill and restore all things to the peace the world experienced before the Fall.  This is our hope.  This inspires us to worship with the angels and Simeon.  This is what motivates us to fall down before the Triune God in submission and faith.  It is here true peace is found.

70 Year Curse Broken

I have been a Cubs fan since I was old enough to turn on WGN to watch a baseball game.  Everyone else I knew was a Braves fan, including my dad who watched them nightly.  They were my second team but for whatever reason the Chicago Cubs were my #1.  If I had known they were cursed maybe I would have chosen a different route, but being a kid I just liked those guys in pinstripes.  Harry Caray had something to do with it as well.

Billy Sianis and Goat

A cursed team.  Whether you believe in curses or not, you have to admit this 71 year drought of being in a World Series is pretty bad.  I remember vividly watching Steve Bartman interfere with a foul ball that began a chain of errors and ultimately a chance to go to the World Series (although I have forgiven him now).  So the story goes, in 1945 Billy Sianis, owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, was asked to leave a World Series game against the Detroit Tigers because his goat smelled so bad they had gotten complaints from other fans.  And yes, he brought a goat to a baseball game.  Sianis was outraged and reportedly said, “The Cubs, they ain’t gonna win no more.”  They not only lost the World Series but hadn’t been back…until now.

 

Steve Bartman

Watching the Cubs get that final out against the Dodgers was surreal.  I sat and watched fans in the crowd weeping, laughing and celebrating.  The nation watched and most celebrated with us (except those Cardinal fans).  I readily admit that it doesn’t impact me nearly as much as that super fan who grew up on the north side of Chicago.  Being raised in Alabama the story is football.  I did not have to listen to the folks on the south side when they won two more World Series since our last one in 1908.  I was not there during all those trips our rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, made in the 71 years prior to our last one.  So what you saw on the faces of those Cubs fans last Saturday night was feelings of being restored from the curse of the billy goat.

 

Now image what it was like for a cursed/conquered people when they learned they are freed to go back to their homeland.  Babylonian captivity was a time in Israel’s history when the Jews were taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar II.  They brought it upon themselves with their rebellion against Yahweh and serving idols.  They had been warned for a while so God finally cursed them with exile.  The Book of Lamentations will give you a better idea of how bad things would be for the people.  Yet, instead of destroying this people, the Almighty God limited the curse to 70 years.  True to prophecy, in 537 B.C. they were freed by King Cyrus of Persia to return to Israel and begin rebuilding the city and the temple.  It is a powerful account in Scripture and the history of Israel.

Psalm 126 is a hymn that refers to that great day in history.  It became one of the songs of ascents.  It opens with a similar celebration witnessed on Saturday night in Wrigley Field, and for greater reasons.

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,

we were like those who dream.

Our mouths were filled with laughter then,

and our tongues with shouts of joy.

Then they said among the nations,

“Yahweh has done great things for them.”

The Lord had done great things for us;

we were joyful.  (vv. 1-3)

When they learned they would be restored from captivity they reacted with laughter and songs of joy!  The curse had been lifted.  The word restored (shuv shivah) literally means to return something back to the way it was before.  The Israelites were shocked.  Those who dream are people that are dazed/surprised.  Being released after 70 years was so incredible the nations celebrated with them and acknowledged the greatness of Yahweh.

Let’s make this personal.  Like most Psalms, this hymn could be used for all types of situations where God has restored us from some curse that has fallen in our lives.  Something that has kept us down…in bondage…from enjoying the blessings of life.  It could be after months of battling cancer.  Years of fighting through a dark cloud that came down after losing someone you love.  Like Israel, some curses are self inflicted, and so you may use this psalm to worship and celebrate after years of being in bondage to some addiction.  We could go on, but you understand the importance of restoration celebrations in your life.  I believe that is the point of the Psalm.  Even though the Jews had brought this on themselves by dishonoring the Holy God, it is Yahweh who provides the party when the time of refreshing comes.  Praise Him!

Now if the Cubs could win the World Series…

 

A Night Time Psalm

Have you ever worshipped under the night sky?  One of my greatest memories is being on an open field at the tallest point of a Christian camp in Alabama.  This was a place far enough in the country to be away from the haze of city lights.  We would go up there for a devotional and sing as we gazed upon a sky that was illuminated with stars and galaxies.  Old songs became new in this setting, as we sang songs like:

O Lord my God!  When I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,

I see the stars…How great Thou art!

Psalm 8 is about Yahweh and His majestic descent to His people.  A psalm of praise sung under a night sky.

Psalm 8:3-4, When I observe Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You set in place, what is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him?  (HCSB)

As the psalmist is observing the night sky he breaks out in praise to His Creator.  The ancients would have appreciated it even more than most today because they could see the moon and stars so much better than we can.  We have so much light pollution we miss seeing galaxies, as they did.  We no longer see the Milky Way as everyone did before the invention of night lights.  Recently I watched a documentary on the Grand Canyon National Park becoming an “International Dark Sky Park” by changing all their lights to take away the light pollution that makes it difficult to see heavenly bodies.  As a result, you will be able to see the Milky Way and stars like never before.

I’m not going to get into a political debate over what I think “everyone” should do, but I see this as a positive.  The reason being the psalmist tells us that by observing the heavens, we can see the work of Yahweh’s power as a builder and master craftsman.  It left the ancients in awe of this God…as it should modern man.  By observing the night sky, the writer was left wondering, what is man that You look after him, much less care for us.  What an amazing God we serve!

When is the last time you stopped long enough to observe a clear night sky?  Not a passing glimpse as you walk in the front door, but gazing for long periods of time.  If so you probably broke out in praise or just felt a sense of wonder.  You get lost in this beautiful creation made by a loving God.  Maybe another song comes to mind:

“This is my Father’s world, I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas: His hand the wonders wrought.”

On the next clear night, find a place to observe the stars.  Just sit and let creation speak of this great God of ours.  Then take out Psalm 8 and read it slowly, letting it saturate your mind, before offering up praise to Yahweh.  The Psalm will lead you to worship.

The Voice of Thunder

Most of the day the area has been rocked with thunderstorms.  I am one of those people who love the sounds of rain and rumblings in the skies.  Some of my greatest memories are sitting on a porch admiring the power and majesty of a storm.

Psalm 29 is a hymn of praise that may have been borrowed from Canaanite poetry which depicts Baal, the god of the skies, battling against Yam, the god of the sea.  The ancients saw the sea as a symbol of chaos.  The psalmist uses this to proclaim Yahweh’s glory and power over other gods.

The first two verses open in the temple.  The worshipers command the heavenly beings to give praise and glory to Yahweh.  Then we come to verses 3-9:

The voice of Yahweh is above the waters.  The God of glory thunders- Yahweh, above vast waters, the voice of Yahweh in power, the voice of Yahweh in splendor.  The voice of Yahweh breaks the cedars; the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.  He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion, like a young wild ox.  The voice of Yahweh flashes flames of fire.  The voice of Yahweh shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.  The voice of Yahweh makes the deer give birth and strips the woodlands bare.

In His temple all cry, “Glory!”  (HCSB)

Notice, the voice of Yahweh (qol Yhwh) is repeated seven times.  This is a significant number in the Hebrew Bible that symbolizes perfection or completion.  It speaks of God’s glory and strength (v. 1)

The psalmist is saying: The glory of Yahweh is like a thunderstorm.  When the wind kicked up, lightening illuminated the skies, rain began to pour, and thunder shook the earth, Israel heard this as an expression of the voice of Yahweh.  That doesn’t mean they thought God was speaking to them, but a poetic illustration of what Yahweh’s majesty is like.  It is greater, more powerful than the vast waters of chaos.  The splendor of the voice of God breaks even the strongest cedars, possibly an illusion to lightening cutting a tree in half.  His voice is majestic!  His voice is glorious!  His voice is powerful!

This leads to the heavenly temple crying out in praise, “Glory!”  The earthly temple in Jerusalem cries out, “Glory!”  Yahweh is King forever (v. 10), who strengthens His people and brings them peace (v. 11).

One this rainy day, let the thunderstorm energize your praise to God.  Let its roar focus your mind on Him.  Let the lightening illuminate the presence of Yahweh.

A Night in Distress

Have you ever been distressed?  Some of you clicked on the title of this blog because you are feeling anguish right now.  This emotion can be caused by a number of things, but Psalm 4 addresses anguish that is created when someone insults your honor.

How long, exalted men, will my honor be insulted?  (4:2)

Where I’m from, those are fighting words.  Maybe you have experienced this from a co-worker, parent, another student at school, etc.  But have you ever had your honor insulted by unbelievers?  If you go on social media enough you will.  What about attacks made against God’s people in the news?  Maybe this has happened to you at work or school.  This is why the psalmist is distressed.

There are a couple of references that give it away.  The first is found in verse 4 when the writer addresses those who have insulted his honor.  He actually quotes a passage we have heard many times:

Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still.  (4:4 – HCSB)

The word bed has a connection to pagan rituals, as does the reference to their grain and new wine.  (4:7)  Read Hosea 7:14.  In America, we do not run across a lot of people sacrificing chickens, drinking blood, or cutting themselves for an idol, but we do cross paths with those who do not believe in the Almighty God.  Those who insult others who put their faith in a “Higher Power.”  If you want to test that thought, go on social media and give your beliefs on drunkenness, extramarital affairs, abortion, homosexuality, transgender, or a host of other topics.  I’m not even talking about pronouceing “fire and brimstone”, but your personal beliefs based on Scripture.  Or just tell people you believe mankind came into existence by a Divine Creator.  You will be insulted and called many hurtful things.

Ok, we get that, but what should we do?  Get into a “holy war” with them?  Call them names?  Tell them they are going to hell?  Punch them in the nose?

The psalmist prays.

But not like some psalms where the writer asks Yahweh to knock their teeth out, as in the previous chapter (3:7).  He prays for deliverance.

Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me.  You freed me from affliction; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.  (4:1)

He prays for Yahweh’s favor and presence (look on us).  It is here the psalmist knows he can find inner joy despite the outward distresses caused by others.  A peace that allows us to lie down and sleep rather than tossing and turning into the night because of the insults of others.  (4:6-8)  Too many times we think stopping our enemies is the best answer to our prayers.  We sometimes fail to remember that God’s presence is the real answer.  If our enemy is destroyed, we will have a new one by the next day.  That is life in a fallen world.  We have an even greater reality today – the Son of God has come into our world and believers have the Spirit of Christ and the Holy Spirit living in them.  (Rom. 8:9-11)

But there is something else the psalmist teaches us.  Either he tells them or hopes his enemies will be still and reflect on their pagan ways.  (4:6)  To begin new activities, such as offering sacrifices in righteousness and trust in Yahweh.  (4:7)

What if your enemy does not believe or trust in the Messiah?  What if they offer sacrifices to the world?  What if they make fun of your faith?  Pray.  Pray they can know Jesus.  Pray they would stop long enough to meditate on God and change their ways.  And may we take time out through our week to be aware that God is here and with us and in us.

One of the shortest and timeless hymns has these words:

“Be still and know that I am God.”

The composer of this hymn is anonymous, but his purpose for writing wasn’t for us to know him, but the One who strengthens us.

Confession of Trust

There is so much going on in our country right now – division, violence, moral decline, and the list goes on.  We struggle with trust.  Most do not trust the government. I’m not sure anyone trusts their presidential candidates.  And this distrust continues on through every avenue of life, yes, even churches.

Psalm 11 is mainly a confession of trust.  Here we find instructions that were given to the congregation to be patient during these social threats of violence and instability, even when they were ambushed (v. 2).  Real trust is found through refuge in Yahweh (v. 1).

The psalmist writes, in verses 4-6, Yahweh is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven.  His eyes watch; He examines everyone.  The Lord examines the righteous and the wicked.  He hates the lover of violence.  He will rain burning coals and sulfur on the wicked; a scorching wind will be their portion.  (HCSB)

The writer sees the temple as Yahweh’s dwelling place.  But much more than an earthly structure where the LORD resides – it is a place He accepts His role as the judge of the universe, which is symbolized by His throne.  Yahweh is King.  He is the Judge of everyone.  In our culture judges and courts hold a negative connotation, but the psalmist saw this as a positive.  We matter to God.  This is why he examines us.  He wants to know us.  But rest assured, Yahweh’s judgment is coming upon the wicked, those who love violence.  They have not gotten away with anything.  The righteous may suffer under the social wrongs of this world, but they are used to refine us.  (66:10-12)  That means, those who mistreat others will be held accountable.  It means if someone is murdered by a racist, and the world’s courts declare them innocent, the Great Judge will hold His own court.  It means if innocent officers are gunned down in cold blood, and they never discover everyone who helped carry it out this tragedy, the Great Judge has all the evidence He needs for His own conviction.  Yahweh hears the cry of the innocent and even if nothing is done in this world, the wicked and lover of violence will be tried and convicted in a greater court and justice will prevail.  Trust Him.

The psalmist concludes in verse 7, For Yahweh is righteous; He loves righteous deeds.  The upright will see His face.  (HCSB)  This is powerful!  The King and Judge of the universe not only sees all, but the upright will see His face.  It is here we find real comfort and security.

Psalm 27:4, I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of Yahweh and seeking [Him] in His temple.  (HCSB)

The psalmist feels safe in this place.  In the presence of the Almighty we find shelter.  It doesn’t stop the violence and social threats of the world around us, but we can discover peace/shalom.  It is a confession of trust that there is something better.  Keep your eyes on the presence of God and trust Him.

There was song written in 1988 by Dick and Melodie Tunney that says:

In His presence there is comfort,  In His presence there is peace.

When we seek the Father’s heart We will find such bless’d assurance,

In the presence of the Lord. Cover me, Lord, with Your presence.

What a powerful prayer for today.

Selah (see-lah)

The Book of Psalms is one of the most beloved books in Scripture.  For a couple of decades I have lived in these sacred pages – mainly for personal growth and study.  It is almost like a journal or diary  where your feelings are poured out without restraint.  If we (I) are honest, we would probably admit we are not always comfortable handing over those inner feelings for others to read, and certainly not to see.  But the psalms were meant to be shared and expressed together among God’s people.  It guides and comforts us through the most difficult of times as well as lead us on a pathway of worship.

A common word found throughout the Psalms is Selah.  It is first discovered in chapter three and repeated 3 times.  While this is a familiar Hebrew word, the interpretation is often debated.  It could be a musical notation, a pause for silence, a call for worshipers to fall prostrate on the ground, or even a word meaning “forever.”  Whatever is meant the early readers would have known.

I chose this mysterious word for the title of my blog.  Why not, it’s not like anyone knows what it means :). If nothing else Selah is calming to my soul.  Don’t ask me why.  The fact is, the Psalms can be found in all the possible interpretations given.  This book is the songbook of the ancients, and really today, although we don’t always realize it.  Some of the “golden oldies” we sing from the Psalms are A Mighty Fortress Is Our God; Joy to the World; Praise the Lord; O Worship the King; He Leadeth Me; Whiter Than Snow; Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah; and I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord, to name a few.  Some of you grew up learning Psalms in the 70’s and 80’s, and sang songs like Unto Thee, O Lord; He Has Made Me Glad; I Exalt Thee; How Majestic Is Your Name; I Will Call Upon the Lord; Thy Word; and As the Deer.  The 90’s brought more Psalms to light, More Precious Than Gold; Surround Us Lord; Hide Me Away of Lord.  And even more recent are songs like How Great is our God; Rescue Me from the Wicked, etc.  The Psalms creates moments of silence to pause and reflect.  At times it brings you to your knees in worship.  And, of course, its words are timeless.  Selah.

This blog is not intended to give a complete commentary on every Psalm, but bits and pieces that speak to us today.  If it is something that blesses you, feel free to share, like, or send to someone who might need it.

Shalom.