The Week of February 11, 2008

Psalm 7,8 and 9

Psalm 7

This psalm is a plea for help from a person suffering from a false accusation of some sort. Imagine the setting - the wrongly accused appearing in the Sanctuary and demanding a judgment from God. The "enemy" here is likened to a wild animal, a lion, a common theme in the Psalms. The supplicant protests their innocence in this matter and asks for God to be the judge. The imagery of God as a warrior preparing His weapons in vs. 12 starkly punctuates God's justice! In vs. 14-16 the "enemies" are described as receiving the "fruits" of their evil - the evil they do falls on their own heads.

Psalm 8

This is the first example of a pure hymn of praise in the Psalter. The psalmist reflects upon the place of humanity in the glorious creation of God's universe. The grandeur of creation, as well as the grace given humanity to have a prominent place within creation is explored in this hymn. Notice that the last verse repeats the first verse, giving symmetry to the song of praise.

Psalm 9

Here we return to the issue of justice and the fact that evil schemes and evil people seem to prosper. This psalm resonates with confidence that God's sovereignty and justice prevail - even in the face of evidence to the contrary! The psalm asks for God's help while in the same breathe trusting in God's mercy.

My thoughts:

O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! When I look at the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them?

Psalm 8:1, 3

You stand in a long receiving line, waiting to shake the hand of a woman you greatly admire. You have met before, but it was long ago, and you are confident that she will not remember you. When she turns her eyes toward you, you begin to introduce yourself - but she interrupts. "Stacy, how wonderful to see you! I hear you began a new ministry back in Texas - I hope things are going well for you and for Al."

Notice and recognition feel great, but when they come from a person you admire; who has many important issues and people on their heart, humility is the only proper response. Who am I that she would remember me? It doesn't make sense. It is a testament to her heart, to her memory, and to her compassion, not a statement about me at all.

The psalmist reflects upon this same mystery. Why would the omnipotent God, Creator of the Universe, and Placer of the Stars, stoop to remember humanity? Why would God give humanity such a privileged place in creation? Once again, humility seems the only proper response. The psalms constantly juxtapose the Divine character with human frailty; Divine justice with human cruelty; Divine righteousness with human sin. Why? I believe it highlights the mystery and the wonder of God's compassion and mercy. Who are we that God should care about us? Who are we that God should step into our world and lives? Who are we that God's love should reach down and touch our human sin, our human pain, and show us the way to eternal life? This mystery still captures the heart and imagination of the person of faith. This mystery still invokes the same response:

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole hear -
I will be glad and exult in you - I will sing praise to your name Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2

Blessings,
Pastor Stacy

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