May 2, 2023 — Psalm 20 

“The Lord answer you in the day of trouble! The name of the God of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary, and give you support from Zion. May he remember all your offerings, and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices. May he grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your plans. May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand. Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses, but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God.  They will collapse and fall, but we shall rise and stand upright.  Give victory to the king, O Lord; answer us when we call.” Psalm 20 

 “The 20th psalm prays specifically for emperors, kings, princes, governors, and all those who sit in any seat of authority. The psalm prays that God would grant them grace to rule peacefully and well, giving them good fortune and victory over their enemies. For wherever good earthly order is established by the reason and power of governors and princes, people do not earnestly and heartily pray for them. So that people might pray for them, the psalm declares that only the greatest fool, totally blind, would presume to rule land and people out of his own head.” (Martin Luther, Reading the Psalms with Luther) 

“Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses; but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God.” What are the things we turn to, as people of the 21^st century, that take us away from a closer relationship with G-d? We do not have chariots to take pride in — though some do take pride in their horses, or dogs, or other animals. And though the chariot may have been a form of transportation, whether for battle, or for pleasure, we do have our cars, boats, airplanes, etc. — those things that bring us pleasure. The Psalmist was surely thinking of the battle chariot — the means of transportation for battle. For us, as a major military might in the world, we may take pleasure in the number of nuclear weapons we have verses other countries. The danger here is the thinking that our military might may reduce our need for G-d when it comes to fighting battles. 

Do you believe that G-d is just as powerful and just as much in control in this the 21st century as G-d was in the time of the writing of this Psalm? Again it takes discernment to see G-d’s actions and activity in the world around us. G-d has not lost power — we have just ceded too much power to other voices and other powers. Take time each day to speak to G-d – to ask G-d for answers — and to listen for the voice of G-d. G-d cares so much for the children of G-d that no request is too small, and no child too unimportant to be heard and to receive an answer. 

What an amazing God we have!  

Prayer: Thanks be unto You, O God, King of kings, because You have granted a good and a free government to our land. What You have given graciously preserve to us and our children. And grant that the civil liberty that we enjoy may remind us to seek that spiritual and everlasting freedom which is found alone in the kingdom of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Amen. 

Pastor Dave

May 1, 2023 — Psalm 19 

“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19 

“The 19th psalm is a prophecy. It speaks of how the Gospel would spread to the entire world, as far as the heavens extend. Day and night it would be spread, not only in Hebrew but in all languages. Just as the sun shines and gives warmth everywhere, so also will the new law of the Gospel enlighten and teach all kinds of people, comforting and purifying them. In this way the old Law is removed, which was not so pure, bright, lovely, or imperishable.” (Martin Luther, Reading the Psalms with Luther) 

As we approach the scriptures of G-d, between the pages of the Old and New Testament we will find as much as we might possibly hope to know about G-d. We learn about the human condition, which really has not changed much in the last 5000 years. We learn about sin and obedience. We learn what the Kingdom of G-d might be like — we learn that G-d simply wants fellowship with all of G-d’s creation. G-d’s word is all inclusive. And since G-d’s word is all inclusive, we soon learn how it applies to the person who reads it — no matter the language in which they read it. And they especially learn how throughout the Word of G-d we are called to return to a right relationship with G-d. It is this calling, this nudging, this pulling as we read the word that reminds us of how much G-d seeks a relationship with you and me. This is why we should always be working on the spiritual life. When we read scripture we should always read it with an eye on discernment. We need to set aside the appropriate amount of time each day to study the word and seek a closer relationship with G-d.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Sun of righteousness with healing in His wings. Enlighten our darkened understanding by Your Holy Word. Enkindle our hearts and mold our will to walk in faith, love, and hope unto all pleasing. Let the light of Your Gospel shine on the nations that sit in darkness, and preserve Your Church to the day of Your coming.  Amen. 

Pastor Dave