January 31st
THE PSALMS
Theme: Praise God for his Providence.
Background: This anonymous poem was likely written following the return of the Jews to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity.
147:10 “His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man” Yahweh loves character over capacity; personality over power. He is not impressed by the number or strength of cavalry and infantry (2 Sam 24). Therefore, Christians would avoid boasting over their accomplishments, whether numerical increase in attendances, baptisms, or building programs. Rather, we will be moved to sing psalms of praise to our glorious God who supplies His Spirit (Zech 4:6; Col 3:15-17).
______________________________
THE PSALMS
Psalm 145-150
Psalm 147
Psalm 147
He who heals men broken at the heart and bandages their aches, who counts off the stars, names them all.
Psalm 147:3-4, Byington Translation
Psalm 147:3-4, Byington Translation
Theme: Praise God for his Providence.
Background: This anonymous poem was likely written following the return of the Jews to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity.
147:3-4 “He heals the broken-hearted … He counts the stars”
The One who guides the path of every single star also has his eye on the broken-hearted to love them better. In context, God guided the thousands of Israelite captives back home through hundreds of miles of wilderness to a weed infested land, yet saw each broken-hearted Jew as a special case. If you feel at times like a wandering star, take heart - your heavenly Father knows your name, location, and needs moment by moment!147:7 “Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre!”
Rotherham’s Translation reads, “Respond to Yahweh with thanksgiving.” We are to make a suitable response to the manifold grace which we have received at the hand of God. Yahweh ever giving, we ever thanksgiving. What worship music and lyrics express your thanksgiving to God?147:10 “His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man” Yahweh loves character over capacity; personality over power. He is not impressed by the number or strength of cavalry and infantry (2 Sam 24). Therefore, Christians would avoid boasting over their accomplishments, whether numerical increase in attendances, baptisms, or building programs. Rather, we will be moved to sing psalms of praise to our glorious God who supplies His Spirit (Zech 4:6; Col 3:15-17).
______________________________
God’s delight is not in making demands but in meeting needs.
God’s delight is not in making demands but in meeting needs.
