August 1, 2023 — Psalm 98

“O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. The LORD has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD. Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.” Psalm 98

“O sing to the Lord a new song.” When we think of our Lord, it is appropriate that we think of G-d as we do of any living being — that G-d might have a “Right hand” and a “holy arm”. These are, however, symbols of G-d’s power more than they are descriptors of our G-d who says “I Am” is my name.

We believe that Jesus does sit at the right “Hand of God.” We also believe that Jesus won the victory over Satan on the cross at Calvary. Sin was defeated on the cross, and death was defeated when Jesus rose from the grave. The victory of both were actually won on the cross. When Jesus said, “It is finished”, all of creation rejoiced. This is why the psalmist says “Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy.”  Can flood waters clap? Can hills sing? Perhaps they do in the musical “The Sound of Music”, but for you and me, it is a celebration that all of creation resounds with praise for our G-d.

G-d’s work of salvation has been accomplished through the cross of Jesus. There is much to sing for. As such, we really should be singing and and living  joyful lives now because the victory is already won. All of the great and wonderful preparations G-d  has made for those who follow his teachings speak of G-d’s  marvelous workings.

Prayer

Lord God, we sing to you a new song, for your victory is ever new. In the resurrection of Christ you have given us a glimpse of your future, and in your victory over death you have shown us how we shall overcome the last enemy. As the seas roar and the hills sing together, we too will praise you for your great triumph, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Amen.

Pastor Dave

August 2, 2023 — Psalm 99

“The LORD is king; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! The LORD is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples. Let them praise your great and awesome name. Holy is he!

Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. Extol the LORD our God; worship at his footstool. Holy is he! Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called on his name. They cried to the LORD, and he answered them. He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud; they kept his decrees,

and the statutes that he gave them. O LORD our God, you answered them;

you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings.

Extol the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the LORD our God is holy.” Psalm 99

In verse 6, Moses is mentioned along with Aaron as a priest — as an intercessor between God and man. Lutherans believe we are all part of the priesthood of all believers. We do not need to wait for only the pastor to speak words of absolution to us, but we can indeed offer each other absolution. Martin Luther believed that each Christian should have a confessor. The psalmist remembers that G-d called men of old—people like Moses, Aaron and Samuel, among many others. The psalmist also infers that, “since G-d answered the prayers of our ancestors, surely He will continue to answer the prayers of those who call upon Him”. This is what gives us hope today. Though we can rightfully be accused of our “wrongdoings”, indeed, G-d will also forgive us when we seek forgiveness and grace in and through each other.

All of this again demonstrates that despite G-d’s sovereignty, G-d continues to be intimately concerned with the people of G-d and faithfully responds to their worship and prayers.

Prayer

Holy God, you are exalted over all the nations and just in all your ways. Strengthen us to worship you with our deeds and to proclaim your greatness with our lips, for the glory of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Pastor Dave