Psalm 7 - Sticks and Stones

How do you respond to slander?

We're all familiar with the witty comeback for use when one is verbally attacked.  Goes something like this, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words can never hurt me."  That's just not true.  In fact, it seems that it is precisely the slanderous use of words that occasions the writing of Psalm 7.

Psalm 7 has this heading: "A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjaminite."

The opening of the Psalm is instructive.  David writes, "Yahweh my God, I seek refuge in You."  He opens the Psalm with an appeal to God for justice.  The rest of the Psalm delights in God's righteousness.

Too often, we rush to defend ourselves when injustice is done against us and put ourselves in danger of repaying evil for evil or stealing God's right of retribution.  David rests in God.

This reminds me of a situation in David's life when he was attacked not only with words but even with stones as well.  In 2 Samuel 16, we find David being attacked by Shimei, a descendent of Saul, who sees David's loss of throne as retribution by God for taking the throne from Saul.  He curses the king and throws rocks and sand at him.  One of David's followers is ready to  go up and kill Shimei on the spot, but David stops him, recognizing God's sovereignty.  However, years later, David instructs his son, Solomon to administer justice in his place (1 King 2:8, 9).

As king of Israel, David would have been justified to bring immediate retribution to Shimei, but he chose to let God vindicate him; and God restored his throne.

Though our world is full of injustice, our God is righteous and in Him we must take refuge.

I will thank the LORD for His righteousness; I will sing about the name of Yahweh the Most High. (Psa 7:17 HCSB)

Psalm 6 - Crying out Under Discipline

Category: Penitential
Author: King David
Performing Forces: Choir and Strings

As I have begun reading through the Psalms, I can't get over how real David is.  This man was conflicted with sin just as much as I am even though he was the king of Israel and called "a man after God's own heart."

It appears at the beginning of this Psalm that David realizes that the anguish he is experiencing is punishment for his sin.  He begs God, "LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger; do not discipline me in Your wrath."  This could be during the time he was fleeing from his own son, Absalom, who was trying to take over the kingdom (see the inscription at the beginning of Psalm 3 and 7.)  Whatever the case, much of the distress David experienced during his reign was a consequence of his sin with Bathsheba.  He is painfully aware of his sin and its consequences.

He describes the terror he is going through.  His bones are shaking, he is weary, his eyes swollen with grief.  He even fears for his life (vs. 5).  Evildoers and enemies are pressing in; he is weeping continuously.

What I find amazing in this Psalm is verse 9:

"The LORD has heard my plea for help;
the LORD accepts my prayer."

David runs into the arms of the very God who is punishing him.  To whom else would he run?  When a young child is under the discipline of a parent, what more does he desire than to be in favor once again with his parent?

This is encouraging to me.  I find it easy to cry out to God in circumstances beyond my control.  But I have found it difficult to cry out to God when I experience the results of my sin, because I know all too well that it was my own choice that got me there.

Here, I am reminded that God's discipline is meant to drive me back to Him.

The writer of Hebrews (quoting Proverbs 3:11) sees the discipline of God as assurance: "And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take the Lord's discipline lightly...the Lord disciplines the one He loves...' Endure it as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline? (Heb 12:5-7 HCSB)

Father, thank you that you never discipline me in Your wrath, but as my Father.

The Affections of God in Psalm 5

Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. (Psa 5:8 ESV)

This seems to me to be the key verse in Psalm 5.  David is pleading to God to make him like Him:

Righteous.

God's righteousness is expressed in His affections in Psalm 5:

The Affections of God

God does not delight in wickedness. (vs. 4)
God hates evildoers. (vs. 5)
God abhors murder and treachery. (vs. 6)

God loves the person that fears Him. (vs. 7)
God favors those who take refuge in Him. (vs. 12)

Father, right my affections so that I will abhor sin and hate evil; and so that I will love fearing and taking refuge in You.

What I learned from Edwards (part 1)

I recently listened to an audiobook of The Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards on a long trip out to Michigan and back.  I want to highlight a few things that I thought were helpful in "reading" the book.

Edwards' book is divided into three sections:
Part I: CONCERNING THE NATURE OF THE AFFECTIONS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE TO RELIGION
Part II: SHOWING WHAT ARE NO CERTAIN SIGNS THAT RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS ARE GRACIOUS, OR THAT THEY ARE NOT.
Part III: SHOWING WHAT ARE DISTINGUISHING SIGNS OF TRULY GRACIOUS AND HOLY AFFECTIONS.

Before I go on, my reader should understand that Edwards' book is a pretty extensive and highly philosophical treatment of some complicated issues pertaining to the Christian life.  If you have time and want to wade through the whole book, be prepared to do some re-reading (or rewinding) and some deep thinking.  For those that may not want or be able to spend that much time, I would suggest starting with the Introduction and  Part I (it's not very long comparatively) and then reading the introduction and thesis statements of each point of Part II and Part III.

Having said all that, this post will focus on Part I.

In Part I of The Religious Affections, Jonathan Edwards will argue for the importance of affection and its proper display in religion.

He begins with an exposition of 1 Peter 1:8 which says, "whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory."  From this verse Edwards sees "two kinds of operation, or exercise of true religion": (1) Love to Christ and (2) Joy in Christ.  Therefore, argues Edwards, holy affection to God is at the heart of true religion.  He supports this doctrinal statement with ten points where he argues from the nature of man and gives various examples of Scripture's priority on affection to God.

Finally, Edwards draws three inferences:

1.       We may hence learn how great their error is, who are for discarding all religious affections, as having nothing solid or substantial in them.

2.       If it be so, that true religion lies much in the affections, hence we may infer, that such means are to be desired, as have much of a tendency to move the affections.

3.       If true religion lies much in the affections, hence we may learn, what great cause we have to be ashamed and confounded before God, that we are no more affected with the great things of religion.

As he lists these, Edwards explains the background which spurs these inferences.  The collective religious mind during the time of the writing of this book, was largely skeptical to any display of affection in organized religion.  This was a pendulum swing (if you will) away from the previous movement that placed all evidence of salvation on the high display of affection.  Edwards warns that Satan, through these extremes, attempts to uproot true religious affection either by encouraging undue emphasis on it as the sole means for assurance or by encouraging its negligence resulting in dead formalism.

If, however, as Edwards argues, "true religion lies much in the affections," then (this is inference #2) we should encourage the expression of affection to God in our religion.  Also, (inference #3) we should be ashamed before God at how little we are moved by His grace toward us.


So, in evaluation, there is much we can learn from this first part of Edward's book.  First, affection is intended by God to be a great part of religion.  God made us to act largely from the affections.  Let's not shun affection as if it were not as noble as mental assent or reason.  In light of who God is, what He has done, how He has revealed Himself to us in His Word, our affections should rise up in worship!  We should also encourage such affection in corporate gatherings.

Second, we should never look at the display of affection as proof of true religious affection.  We need to be biblically discerning of what is happening in us and around us.  It's easy to get caught up in something because of what it feels like.

I think Edward's calls for balance at the beginning of his book.  Let's not ignore affection or put undue importance on it.

Those are my thoughts; I would encourage you to read this first part.  If you already have, please, weigh in!

Psalm 4

Category: Petition
Author: David
Performing Forces: choir and strings
Theme: At the end of the day it is God who vindicates.
Name of God: Elohei Tsidki: "God-my-Righteousness"

Click here for the text of Psalm 4

1. David calls out to God (4:1)

     "God-my-Righteousness" or "God who vindicates me"

          David looks back to past deliverance and pleads for grace and attention from God on that basis. (vs. 3b)

2. David addresses his enemies (4:2-5)

     This is primarily a gracious appeal to his enemies to repent!  I find these verses incredibly unexpected; that David would include an appeal to his enemies, not only to fear the Righteous God, but to leave what is worthless and trust in God!

     He asks them, "How long will you love what is worthless?"

     In light of Elohei-Tsidki who will hear when David calls for help (vs. 3), the wicked are called upon to "tremble" and not sin (vs. 4).

     Trust in God! Don't love worthless things.

3. David rests in God (4:6-8)

     At the end of the day, David puts his confidence in God.
    
     He expresses the tension - many are challenging God's favor

   
    "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound"

          Contrast this lasting joy with the "worthless" pursuits of wicked men.

   
    Finally, David expresses implicit rest in God.

King David begins and ends this Psalm with a God-ward focus.  In the middle portion I find an appeal to his enemies to do the same.

There are many worthless pursuits surrounding me and calling out to me; and then there is the lasting joy found in the unmerited favor of God.  God help me to pursue You!

Psalm 3

Category: Petition
Author: David
Situation: He was fleeing from his own son, Absalom (see 2 Samuel 15-17; Psalm 63)
Theme: Relentless trust in God during an impossible situation.
 

The statement/challenge: "There is no help for him in God."

     - an insult to the anointed king of Israel

     - an insult to God who anointed David king

     - parallel to Jesus -- Matt 27:43ff

You, Yahweh, are to me:

     - my shield/protection

     - my worth/weight/glory/value

     - my Savior

David sleeps through the night, unafraid of terrible odds.

Petition:

    "Rise up!" "Save!"

    Salvation belongs to the LORD

    Blessing on his people

David could have easily found his identity as a father and as the king of Israel very much threatened by this situation in which his own son was leading a rebellion against him and taking his kingdom from him.  Instead, he looked to God and found his identity in Him.  He confesses, "But You, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts up my head."  He could sleep in peace unafraid and content knowing that Yahweh was his God and Yahweh was ultimately King of Israel.

I pray that God would be my value today; that nothing would take the position of worth in my life that only belongs to Him.

Psalm 2

Category: Royal

Author: David (according to the early church) Acts 4:25

Purpose: The coronation of Israel's king(King)

1. Starts with the plot against Yahweh and His anointed one (Anointed One) cf. Acts 4:25

     "Let us tear off their chains and free ourselves from their restraints."

2. Yahweh ridicules their ignorance and speaks from His wrath:

     "I have consecrated My k(K)ing on Zion, My holy mountain."

3. David recounts Yahweh's decree:

     "You are my Son; today I have become Your Father..."

     Heb 2:5 - applies this to Jesus, the Son of God

     also 5:5 and Acts 4:25

     

     Yahweh exalts his Anointed One above all kings of the earth.

4. Promise to the Son

5. Admonition to the kings of the earth

     To align themselves under Yahweh's grace instead of His wrath.

Psalm 1

I've recently purposed to study through the Psalms in a rather slow manner--once a week--so that I can more deeply appreciate this rich resource which is the inspired Jewish hymnal.  Also, I have started studying Hebrew in seminary and hope to use what little Hebrew I am learning in my study.


The past week, I have been meditating on Psalm 1.  Here are a few comments:

Category: Wisdom Psalm (sounds much like the Proverbs)
Theme: True happiness
Function: To distinguish between the wise and foolish man; Also functions as the opening psalm.
Author: Anonymous/David assumed

The Psalmist begins by revealing the secret of true happiness: delight in the instruction of Yahweh and mind-renewal through His law.  The man who lives in such a way stands in stark contrast to the man who follows the advice of the wicked, takes the path of sinners, or joins a group of mockers.

John Trapp observes this of the premise of Psalm 1 - "The Psalmist saith more to the point about true happiness in this short Psalm than any one of the philosophers, or all of them put together; they did but beat the bush, God hath here put the bird into our hand."

This contrast between the man who renews his mind and the man who conforms to wickedness is further illustrated by the imagery of a tree that stands by flowing water and chaff that is blown away from the wheat by the hot desert wind.  While the life of the mind-renewed man is characterized by stability and prosperity, the life of the conformed man is marked by instability and ruin.

When one acquaints himself with Yahweh and ponders His Word allowing his mind to be renewed by what he sees, Yahweh acquaints Himself with him (vs. 6).

This is true happiness: Fellowship with the Creator.

Ephesians 4:23; Romans 12:2

Shout out to Relentless Love

For a while I've been following the new music coming from churchworksmedia.com and have appreciated the theological and devotional content of the poetry in their new hymns.  Also, I appreciate the "singability" and "learnability" (if you will) of the melodies making them appropriate for congregational use.

I feel the newest addition by Chris Anderson and Greg Habegger, entitled Relentless Love, is possibly their best as of yet and look forward to using it in my own church.  Read through the poem and listen to the recording they have provided on the site and I'm sure you will agree!

Relentless Love

Kudos to Chris Anderson, Greg Habegger, and the others contributing to provide this resource for Christ's church around the country.  May God continue to use you!

Book review

"We resemble what we revere for ruin or restoration."  This is the premise of G. K. Beale's book entitled, We Become What we Worship.  In it, Beale argues that the idolatrous Israelites were indicted by God as resembling, to their shame, the unbecoming characteristics of the lifeless idols which they reverenced.

Beginning with the Isaiah 6 account in which Isaiah is confronted with the glory of God, Beale argues that Israel had become spiritually deaf and blind just as the idols had "eyes but do not see" and "ears but do not hear."  Isaiah stands in contrast to the unbelieving Israelites because he saw God in his temple and heard and attended to the voice of the Lord.

Beale ends the book by turning his theology of idolatry on end and arguing that a worshiper of the true God also has the capacity of reflecting Whom he reveres for his own restoration.

The premise of this book is compelling.  I believe it helps us understand the passages in the Old Testament in which the people of God were deaf to His message.  It was a result of their own sin of idolatry and rejection of God that their hearts were hardened toward God; and in the same way, our hearts can be hardened when we reach out to things that set themselves up as idols in our lives.  We stop resembling God and begin to resemble the things that we value or hope in the most.

But when we worship God, valuing Him above all else, we actually begin to reflect who He is in his glorious moral purity and loveliness.  This is sanctification; we partake in the Divine nature through Christ!

"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."  Romans 12:2 (HCSB)

Christian "Holy War"

"Christianity", in the broadest sense of the term, has often been criticized for being historically a violent, "holy war" religion.  One need only look back to the crusades waged by the Roman Catholic church and other "holy wars" of the middle ages to see justification of this indictment.  Perhaps even in the establishment of the United States of America and other conquests of the New World was there a mentality of warring under God's banner to conquer the land and set up a "theocracy."

I think at the root of said "holy wars" is a foundational misunderstanding of the New Testament and its language of spiritual warfare.  In Ephesians 6, Paul tells the Ephesian believers to put on the armor of God and to wage spiritual warfare against Satan.  However, this warfare refers to the individual's personal battle against sin or "the devil's schemes."

In Revelation 2 and 3, John writes six letters dictated by Christ to the churches in Asia.  Christ refers to "the victor" challenging the members of each church to succeed in their battle against sin.  Again, this appears to be a very personal struggle, not against ungodliness outside the church (although perhaps sometimes this is also in view) but against sin in each member.

How would such an understanding affect our worship?  Imagery of the church doing battle for the gospel and conquering the world for Jesus should be evaluated with caution.  Yes, we are called to take the gospel to the world, and woe is us if we don not do so, but we do not do this through warfare as other religions.

Perhaps we need to emphasize warfare as that which happens in our own personal, everyday life in battle against sin.  "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (Ephesians 6:12-13).

In the context of encouraging the believers to run the race of the Christian life with faith, the author of Hebrews says this, "You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving [warring] against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons" (Hebrews 12:4).  The author then goes on to speak of the discipline of the Lord.

A recent song that appropriately illustrates the idea of warfare against personal sin puts it this way: "Let no vice or sin remain that resists Your holy war."

This "holy war" is not waged by the Templar Knight or by the suicide bomber, but by the true follower of Christ.

It is not waged against unbelievers or infidels, but against the flesh that is bent toward sin.

It is not waged in Jerusalem or Iraq, but every day in the heart of the Christian.

May we be challenged today to wage that battle against self for the true glory of God and the testimony of Christ in a lost world!

Songs for Scripture memory

What is one of the biggest benefits of singing our theology?  You tell me...  I would submit that one of the most tangible benefits lies in music's impression on the memory.

How do children learn the alphabet?  They sing their "A,B,C's"!  Children memorize songs with amazing speed.  But so do adults!  How much of the day do you have a song running through your head?  Sometimes it is a song you would love to get out of your head...how do you get rid of it?  With a song you want in your head!

I think one of the most powerful ways to teach good theology lies in the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.  There is a reason Paul instructed the believers in Colosse to teach and admonish one another through congregational singing; it played an important roll in allowing the Word of Christ to dwell in them richly!

That in mind, I just came across a website by Mark Altrogge called Forever Grateful Music.  He has written very simple songs intended specifically as an aid in Scripture memory.  Now that's creative!  And I think he has captured (conceptually) one of the great benefits of putting Scripture and biblical theology to music.

Help me out... What are the greatest benefits of singing Scripture and theology?  How do we capitalize on that?

It Is not Death to Die

If you are not signed up for Worship Quote of the Week, I recommend this free newsletter sent out by Carl Stam, worship lecturer at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He sends out a hymn text or thought about worship every week on Tuesday and I often find them uplifting and challenging.  Check it out!

The text he mentioned today was written by Henri Malan in the nineteenth century, but has recently been given a face lift by Bob Kauflin with Sovereign Grace.

The text is especially poignant to Carl Stam who has been battling cancer for quite some time and is not sure how much longer God has for him on earth.  This text encouraged me around the time of my Grandma's death two years ago and I am reminded of its hope-bringing truth as I think of my Grandpa's home going last fall.  Death is no longer something to fear for the believer.  It is not our final enemy, but that which conveys us to "wake in joy" before the throne of God and spend eternity with Him!

It Is Not Death to Die

It is not death to die,
To leave this weary road,
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God.
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears,
And wake in joy before Your throne,
Delivered from our fears,

   CHORUS
   O Jesus, conquering the grave
   Your precious blood has power to save.
   Those who trust in You
   Will in Your mercy find
   That it is not death to die

It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just,
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore.

You can listen to a free recording here.

O Father, We Are Yours

I want to share a song with you that my sister and I have been working on.  Sarah is a wonderful poet who has written many poems in her own private worship.  She has shown me a few of them which I hope to set to music soon.

In October, I sent Sarah the chorus of this hymn text and asked if she would write a poem based on John 13-17 to go with it.  A couple weeks later, she wrote back with these three stanzas.  I've written a tune for it but unfortunately I am not able at this time to upload audio...maybe later!

May you be encouraged--as I believe the disciples were by Christ's departing words to them--in your earthly pilgrimage as you fight the spiritual battle knowing that Christ is strong and His strength is in you!  May we all be challenged this coming year to testify of the Father revealed in Jesus Christ.

O Father, We Are Yours

O Father, we are Yours, to Christ we now belong,

And in this earthly pilgrimage we are weak, but You are strong!

Entrusted with Your Word, we have a message to proclaim,

And though the world reject us, keep us faithful to Your name!

Chorus:

By Your truth sanctify

Our hearts to testify

Of the Father shown,

In the Son made known:

Of the love of Jesus Christ!

We dwell in hostile land, with evils all around,

Relentless is our enemy, this life a battle ground;

Protect us, Father, by Your truth and keep our eyes on You,

And to the One Who sent us may our hearts be every true!

Oh may our hearts be one in purpose and in love,

Reflecting that which You Yourself have shown us from above;

That by our unity we might bear witness to the truth,

And of Your love in Jesus to the world we might be proof.


Edit:

Alright, I figured out one way to get the audio on here for you... it's not ideal but it'll do for now.

Right click on this link and open it in a new tab/window, then you can look at the text as the music plays.  Thanks for bearing with me as I figure this out!

Christmas Hymn from Getty/Townend

As you take time this year to wonder at the mystery of Christ's birth and all that the incarnation means, I hope it causes your heart to swell with gratitude and awe at the mystery of God's plan for our redemption!  Keith Getty and Stuart Townend have written a hymn text that captures the mystery of Christ's birth as the "mighty Prince of Life shelters in a stable."

Take a moment to reflect on this text and praise God that the "babe in Bethlehem" is in truth "the Lord of history" born for your eternal salvation!


Joy has dawned upon the world,
Promised from creation—
God's salvation now unfurled,
Hope for ev'ry nation.
Not with fanfares from above,
Not with scenes of glory,
But a humble gift of love—
Jesus born of Mary.

Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of Life
Shelters in a stable.
Hands that set each star in place,
Shaped the earth in darkness,
Cling now to a mother's breast,
Vuln'rable and helpless.

Shepherds bow before the Lamb,
Gazing at the glory;
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story.
Gold—a King is born today,
Incense—God is with us,
Myrrh—His death will make a way,
And by His blood He'll win us.

Son of Adam, Son of heaven,
Given as a ransom;
Reconciling God and man,
Christ, our mighty champion!
What a Savior! What a Friend!
What a glorious myst'ry!
Once a babe in Bethlehem,
Now the Lord of hist'ry.

Old Hymn/New Tune

So, it's been way to long since I've posted.  I'd like to use as an excuse the fact that I am a busy seminarian with loads of reading and projects looming, but that is hardly adequate.

Soon, I would like to post more substantially, but for now this will have to suffice.

Last Sunday, I sang this hymn by Anne Steele (1716-1778) that has recently been set to music by Kevin Twit, founder of Indelible Grace Music.  If you have not heard of Anne Steele, it may benefit you to research her life.  Having written 144 hymns in her life time, Anne is considered one of the foremost English Baptist Hymn writers. 

The story of her life is anything but inspiring.  Losing her mother at age 3, she was left to the care of her father, a timber merchant who also was a lay pastor in their church in Broughton.  At age 19, she became an invalid.  Furthermore, the man to which she was engaged to be married drowned the day before the wedding.  Anne was no stranger to trials, yet from her hand flowed numerous hymns of praise to God.

This particular song gives testimony to her sweet spirit amidst life's trials.  It was a challenge to me--I hope it is to you.

Dear refuge of my weary soul,
On Thee, when sorrows rise
On Thee, when waves of trouble roll,
My fainting hope relies
To Thee I tell each rising grief,
For Thou alone canst heal
Thy Word can bring a sweet relief,
For every pain I feel

But oh! When gloomy doubts prevail,
I fear to call Thee mine
The springs of comfort seem to fail,
And all my hopes decline
Yet gracious God, where shall I flee?
Thou art my only trust
And still my soul would cleave to Thee
Though prostrate in the dust

Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face,
And shall I seek in vain?
And can the ear of sovereign grace,
Be deaf when I complain?
No still the ear of sovereign grace,
Attends the mourner's prayer
Oh may I ever find access,
To breathe my sorrows there

Thy mercy seat is open still,
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet,
Thy mercy seat is open still,
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet 

You can find the music here.  As of yet, I have not found a quality recording, so if you find one let me know in the comments section!

O Sacred Head Now Wounded

Here is an arrangement of O Sacred Head Now Wounded that I wrote for string quartet. This summer, I got a quartet together and we played this as part of the Fourth of July program at Fourth Baptist Church in Plymouth, MN.

The text, attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, expresses the sinner's sorrow mixed with joy at the thought of Jesus' amazing love demonstrated by willingly enduring unspeakable suffering for him.  The last stanza rises to intense praise where no language is adequate to express love for the One who showed us what love truly is (1 John 3:16).

(Text below)

O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, was all for sinners’ gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."  John 15:13

Psalm 73 - Sonnet

Asaph's first psalm (73) of the eleven in the Hebrew Psalter (73-83) has been one of my favorite psalms.  It is a good psalm for renewing a godward perspective on life.  At first, Asaph, in brutal honesty tells of the doubts raging in his mind as he observes the prosperity of the wicked and the apparent injustice that they are not punished for their wickedness.  But when Asaph seeks the presence of the Lord, his mind is renewed, his perspective is changed and he realizes the uncertainty of this life and the hopelessness of temporal pleasure.

What follows is a paraphrase of Psalm 73 in sonnet form.  If you are familiar with sonnet form, you know that a sonnet is a 14-line poem comprised of 8 lines describing the conflict followed by 6 lines of resolution.  This form fits the composition of this psalm of Asaph nicely.  Lines 1-8 follow verses 1-16 of the psalm and lines 9-14 follow verses 17-28.

Read Psalm 73 then read this sonnet and renew your perspective to trust in your God!

The Lord indeed is good to those who seek

And love Him with a heart to see His hand

But I despaired to see and understand

That proud men prosper far beyond the meek

They live their lives of comfort and of ease

And mock the God that gave them breath of life

But have no retribution for their strife

While righteous writhe in spite of their good deeds

But when I sought the presence of the Lord

Then He made clear to me their dire end

Their judgment is as sure as God’s command

Eternal suffering is their just reward

Lord, Whom have I in heaven above but You?

You are my God, I’ll tell of all You do!

What's That?

We're all familiar with this...

But what's going on here?

I think the answer to this question describes some of the differences we see in philosophies of worship in our churches today.

Let me explain...

I recently read Louie Giglio's book, The Air I Breathe, in which he describes what he believes to be true worship.  In this book, he talks about the excitement displayed in an audience during a concert or a crowd at a game.  He says:

"Some of the purest forms of worship are found outside the walls of the church and have no reference to the God of all creation.  All you have to do is drop in on a concert at the local arena or go to a sporting event at a nearby stadium to see amazing worship...the same expressions of worship that God desires and deserves."

Someone taking Giglio's point would argue that such an audience is doing what they were naturally created to do: worship.

Natural conclusion: we need that type of excitement, expression, and abandon in corporate worship.  If an audience can worship a rock artist with that much passion how much more passionately should we worship our God?

Here's my problem...

I agree with Giglio that worship is natural to the human being.  I also agree that when audiences attend a concert, they tend to act in a way that agrees with their nature.

But I also believe that unregenerate man is naturally sinful.  I have a hard time seeing unregenerate man's expression of worship (whatever he/she may be worshiping) and saying it is "the same expression of worship God desires and deserves."

Should our corporate worship include emotion?  One hundred times, YES!!  But will we express it in the same way?  Probably not. (Psalm 51:17; Psalm 29:2)

So...should our worship look like this...

or like this...

or is there a better way?

These are some of the things that have been occupying my thoughts over the past couple days.  It helps to write them down.

Any ideas?  What should our worship look like?

Incomprehensibility

Here are some verses I was meditating on recently.

     Oh, the depth of the riches
    both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
    How unsearchable His judgments
    and untraceable His ways!
 
    For who has known the mind of the Lord?
    Or who has been His counselor?
    Or who has ever first given to Him,
    and has to be repaid?
 
    For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
    To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

    Romans 11:33-36

It is impossible to worship that which I understand, and I praise God that He is beyond comprehension.  If I think I know all of Who God is, I have ceased to worship God and am worshiping another poor substitute.