Read Psalm
112-115 & 1
Corinthians 1
To discover:
As you read consider the
blessings that flow from trusting God.
To ponder:
Psalm 112 is an
acrostic like Psalm 111, and continues where it left off, outlining the
blessings received by the one who fears the LORD and so delights in his
commands (112v1). They are described throughout as “righteous” and therefore
gracious, compassionate, upright, generous and just (112v4-5). These are
qualities supremely displayed in Christ and to be emulated by us as his people.
We need to be reminded, however, that the blessings in this psalm reflect God’s
particular covenant promises to Israel
as a paradigm of the kingdom to come. So the children of such people will be
mighty – ie. significant, and their family rich (112v2-3). However, being part
of this world order, they won’t be exempt from trouble. But in darkness, light
will dawn for them, as God will come to their aid (112v4-5). So they will never
be shaken, which seems to mean they will never be overly anxious about possible
bad news, but able to maintain a steadfast heart in the face of life’s
potential difficulties because they trust the LORD (112v6-8).
Could we say the same? Paul applies
112v9 to God supplying the Christian so he can in turn give to the needy (2 Cor
9v9). This reflects the context in this psalm. It is because the righteous
trust God to provide for them (112v3) that they can be so generous to others.
The theme throughout is that like God (111v3) the “righteousness” of those who
fear the LORD will “endure forever.” This may refer to their acts having an
ongoing impact, but the stress is probably on them always being remembered
before God (112v6). This means that for God to lift up their “horn” (112v9), is
for him to cause them to be honoured in their lifetime and in memory. But it
also looks to their being raised and honoured in glory for all time. By
contrast, the wicked man will gnash his teeth in annoyance as he looks on at
their exaltation, and his longings will come to nothing (112v10). Jesus uses
this language to describe the torment of those in hell as they see the
righteous enjoying the kingdom (Lk 13v28). The psalm therefore commends the
fear of the LORD in the strongest terms.
Psalm 113 calls people to praise God
forever and everywhere (113v1-3). In the Hebrew mind greatness is often equated
with being raised up to a height (see Is 6v1). God is therefore exalted above
all nations in the sense that they witness his glory (ie. the display of his
excellence) above the heavens (skies) as they look up at the universe. And he
is so high and great that he has to stoop down from his throne to look at the
heavens let alone the earth (113v4-6). None are therefore like him. Yet his
greatness is also seen in the fact that, although so high and exalted, he does
look down, and cares for the needy – indeed, he comes down in Christ for them
(113v7-9). Their being seated with princes was seen when Nehemiah shared his
table with the poor, and the barren woman having children, when God answered
Hannah’s prayer. These are not always givens in this life, but reflect God’s
readiness to act for those who look to him. However, all such people will one
day be seated with Christ and freed from all physical infirmity. We rarely
consider how astonishing it is that the Creator of our infinite universe would
be so intimately concerned with the needy. God is truly worthy of all praise.
Psalm 114 briefly recounts how God
redeemed his people from Egypt ,
making Judah
(where Jerusalem was located) the
place of his sanctuary (the temple), and wider Israel
the place of his rule (dominion). The creation itself is pictured as trembling
at his presence – the Red Sea and Jordan
fleeing as the water parted to let the people through, and the Sinai mountains
skipping with earthquake when the people received the law. The point is that
although God’s presence is good, as when he gave Israel
water from the rock, it is also to be feared (114v7-8). These truths must also
be held in balance in terms of God’s presence in Jesus and by his Spirit.
Psalm 115 prays that God not Israel
would be glorified, and for his love and faithfulness. He is then contrasted with
the false gods of the nations. Assuming Israel
must worship a visible idol, they ask where he is, and the answer is that he is
in heaven – and sovereign, doing whatever he pleases. By contrast, their idols
are made with body parts that cannot do anything. And those who make or trust
them, will become like them in becoming lifeless too (115v1-8). So Israel
are urged to trust in the LORD (not idols) as their help and shield, in the
knowledge that according to his promise, as Maker, he will bless all those who
fear him with “increase.” In the light of previous psalms and the immediate
context, this “increase” probably refers to riches, descendents and health,
moving the people to fulfil their particular calling in being given the earth –
that of praising God (115v9-16) for his love and faithfulness (as verse 1). The
psalm therefore contrasts those who trust in false gods and so will die, and
those who trust in the LORD and will therefore be blessed and praise him for
ever. In our pluralistic culture this reminds us of the futility and danger
within other religions.
Praying
it home:
Praise God for
being willing to act for the needy despite his awesome majesty. Pray that you
would seek his glory and not your own.
Thinking
further:
None
today.
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