April 12, 2023 – Psalm 3

“O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying to me, “There is no help for you in God.” But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Rise up, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. Deliverance belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people!” Psalm 3

“I like the point where David says, “Many are saying of me, God will not deliver him.” …when I pause for reflection I realize it sounds just like today. How many times are we challenged by people who deny God exists or that He’s able to help us, that we can’t count on God at all? Or it could look like a self-fulling prophecy meaning that we’re not worth God’s attention. For every time we’ve faced this challenge, we can remember the great King David was right there with us.” (happycatholic.blogspot.com)

What do you do when life falls apart? Few of us have gone through anything close to the trauma that David was experiencing, or even the troubles of Joseph because of his brothers. But most people have had times when they could identify with David, or Joseph, or even Peter. Perhaps you thought that things were fine at work, but you suddenly got called into the boss’ office and were fired for false allegations. Perhaps you were caught off guard by a sudden diagnosis, or a death of a loved one. You received a medical bill you did not expect and now wonder how you will provide for your family. Sometimes, life just falls apart.

If you find you are caught off guard by life throwing you a curve, remember that, along with so many in this congregation, and this community, you join a long procession of people who have been caught off guard when their lives fell apart. But, you should remember that you are not alone — G-d continues to walk with us on these difficult paths. As the Psalmist says: Deliverance belongs to the Lord. As such, we need to trust G-d and remember the Lord continues to sustain us.

Prayer: let us pray…

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, be with us as the sure defense of Your Church. Defend us against our enemies, preserve us from the persecutions of the wicked, and when our last hour has come, deliver us from all evil, both of body and soul, and receive us into Your everlasting kingdom. Amen.

Pastor Dave

April 11, 2023 — Psalm 2

“Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and his anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.” I will tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 2

“He who sits in the heavens shall laugh: God looks at the way man plots against Him and He laughs. God isn’t afraid or confused or depressed about the opposition of man. God laughs at it.

i. God laughs because He sits in the heavens. He sits as the Great King on a glorious throne. He isn’t pacing back and forth in the throne room of heaven, wondering what He should do next. God sits in perfect peace and assurance.

ii. God laughs because He sits in the heavens. It isn’t an earthly throne He occupies; it is the throne of heaven with authority over all creation. What does heaven have to fear from earth?” (enduringword.com)

It might be hard to imagine that our Lord laughs sitting in the heavenly realm, watching the doings of those who conspire against heaven — yet this is the image the Psalmist gives. Perhaps we could consider the reasons G-d laughs:

A. G-d laughs because G-d is our Great King sitting among the courts of heaven, sitting in perfect peace and assurance — while those on earth conspire and plot in vain.

B. G-d laughs because G-d has authority over all creation. What does heaven have to fear from earth?

C. G-d laughs — G-d does not tremble — does not hide behind a vast celestial rampart. G-d simply ‘laughs’ at these great imposters.

G-d is the comfort of all those who love righteousness. As such, G-d’s laughter is the laughter of the strength of love. G-d does not exult over the sufferings of humanity — instead G-d laughs knowing G-d will accomplish G-d’s will which is nothing less than to love all that G-d has created.

Prayer: Let us pray…

Thanks be unto You, O Lord Jesus Christ, because You were once dead, and by Your blood redeemed us from sin and everlasting torment. We desire to serve You all the days of our life. Preserve us in the midst of so many enemies, and by Your mighty hand preserve us for Your eternal kingdom! Amen.

Pastor Dave