DOCSLIB.ORG

The Reflection on Life's Mission

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Reflection on Life's Mission The Reflection on Life's Mission Warren Brosi A Mirror for the Soul / Praise / Psalm 117; Romans 15:7–13; Hebrews 12:1–3; Revelation 19:1–6 The goal for followers of Christ begins and ends with praise. 03/21/21 Dominant Thought: The goal for followers of Christ begins and ends with praise. Objectives: I want my listeners to understand that the mission for followers of Christ is praising God. I want my listeners to look around this week to find reminders to praise God. I want my listeners to respond to the strength and faithfulness of God’s love. Psalm 117 begins the same way Psalm 116 closed, “Praise the Lord.” The faithful follower, Augustine, who desired to be a walking Hallelujah also said, “a Christian should be an Alleluia from head to foot.” Psalm 117 is in the middle of the English Bible. There are 594 chapters before and after Psalm 117. Psalm 117:1–2 ESV Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! In these two verses, we find the answers to four questions people ask in their relationship with God. 1. What if I don’t feel like praising God? Answer: Look around. Psalm 117 commands all nations and all peoples to praise God. If you don’t feel like praising God, then the short answer is, “Well, God commands it. And he commands all people to praise Him.” However, that is not overly motivating. Psalm 117.2 provides a couple of motivations to praising God: his love and faithfulness. But let’s dive into this command, that God wants all nations and all peoples to praise God. If you want some examples, I encourage you to walk out to the lobby and look at the missions wall for a sample of the missions we support. You’ll see people and things from other cultures where people worship King Jesus. I’m thankful for cultural worship experiences that I have had in the Caribbean and in Asia. Our Jamaican friends have shown me how to worship God completely. Jamaican worship is a workout complete with dancing, singing, and praying. I love the worship gatherings in Jamaica. In the Philippines, their worship gatherings are loud. They shout to the Lord and make joyful noises to Him which are so beautiful. But, let me remind you that worship is not only for public gatherings. It is a way of life. The words, “Praise the Lord” and “Extol” are worship words. Praise the Lord is a translation of Hallelujah. The word “extol” can mean “commend” or speak praise. Both words in this context are commands. These words are not suggestions, but commands to all nations and all peoples to praise and worship the Lord. The Apostle Paul picks up on the theme of all peoples praising God, even those who are different from one another. Romans 15:7–13 ESV Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Trust me, my friend, if you feel alone in your worship to God, look around. We are members of God’s global mosaic of praise. 2. What if I don’t feel loved? Answer: Look up. I think one of the basic questions that every person asks is, “Am I loved?” “Does anyone even love me?” It’s as true for the wife whose marriage is on the rocks to the teenager trying to impress their classmates. Psalm 117.2 gives us the answer. Look up to the strong love of God. Psalm 117 encourages us to look up to God to see His steadfast love toward His people. In a similar way that Psalm 116 began with, “I love the Lord because He has heard my voice.” Now in Psalm 117, we remember the steadfast love of the Lord toward His people. In this short Psalm, the writer describes the steadfast love of the Lord as “great.” But the word “great” is not so much a description as an action. Listen to how The Message describes Psalm 117.2. Psalm 117:2 The Message His love has taken over our lives; GOD’s faithful ways are eternal. Hallelujah! “His love has taken over our lives.” The word great could be used as strong enough to win or prevail. It shows up in the flood story with Noah describing the “waters prevailed” on the earth and over the mountains. Think about the strong arms of love from a parent or grandparent. Michael Hinnen, our associate minister, has done a fine job in reminding our young people that you are known, valued, and loved. Let’s continue to pursue those truths no matter your age. The steadfast love of the Lord was best displayed in the earthly ministry of Jesus. God loves His people so much that He put on skin to walk with His people and die on a cross. This past week, we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick grew up in Britain, was captured by pirates and taken to Ireland to serve six years as a slave. He escaped, then had a vision of the people of Ireland crying out to him, “We appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us.” Patrick showed great love and forgiveness toward the people that enslaved him and changed the religious landscape of Ireland. The Book of Psalms & The Book of Proverbs Commentary They will worship because they will have been loved with an unfailing love (117:2), not just because they have been created by God. I was at a funeral recently and a friend came up to me. I visited with him a couple of years ago and we talked about the Bible. I encouraged him to read Romans. That conversation on the sidewalk of County Market sent him on a journey in God’s Word. In fact, he’s worn his bible out and asked if I had one that had thicker pages. Now, two years later, he told me that he reads Romans 8 every day. So, last Friday five minutes before I stepped up to preach a funeral, I asked him, “What’s resonating with you in Romans 8?” What’s capturing your attention from that chapter. He paused for a moment then looked me in the eye and said, “Nothing can separate us from God’s love” (Romans 8.39). 3. What if I want to quit? Answer: Look back. Psalm 117.2 reminds us of the second reason to praise God, “the faithfulness of the Lord endures.” The word endure in our English Bibles is an interpretation of the context. The verse reads, “the faithfulness of the Lord forever.” God’s faithfulness has overcome generations of challenges: Adam and Eve eating the fruit, Cain killing His brother, genocides, the Holocaust, and plagues. Still God proves faithful. The faithfulness of Jesus inspires our faithfulness. Hebrews 12:1–3 ESV Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Angela Duckworth, wrote a book called, Grit, The Power of Passion and Perseverance. In it she tells the story of Steve Young, Hall of Fame quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers (p. 202-205). Early in his college career, he was the 8th string quarterback. After a few weeks of frustration and thinking that he was just a big tackling dummy. He called home to talk to his dad, “This is not what I expected…and I’d like to come home.” Steve’s dad is nicknamed Grit. He once competed with a guy to do 1,000 sit ups in a row. After he won that competition, he competed with himself until he could do 10,000 sit ups in a row. This is Steve Young’s dad. He said, “You can quit…But you can’t come home because I’m not going to live with a quitter.” Steve stayed committed to getting better and became a hall of fame quarterback. Lest you think Grit Young was too hard on his son, Grit was committed to being present for their children’s activities growing up. On one business trip, his flight from Montana was canceled.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Psalm 117 (118) in the Roman Missal and in the Liturgy of the Hours
    PONTIFICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE HOLY CROSS FACULTY OF THEOLOGY Avelito John M. BURGOS Psalm 117 (118) in the Roman Missal and in the Liturgy of the Hours A Licentiate Thesis Prof. Msgr. Antonio Miralles Moderator Rome 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………… 3 PART I: TOWARDS A COMPREHENSION OF PSALM 117…………………………….. 5 1.1. Scriptures and Liturgy.............................................................................................................. 5 1.1.1. Foundation: the principle of the Incarnation ................................................................. 7 1.1.2. Development: the promise in the Old Testament .......................................................... 7 1.1.3. Reality: the fulfilment in the New Testament ............................................................... 8 1.2. Psalms and Liturgy .................................................................................................................. 9 1.2.1. Christifying the psalms ................................................................................................ 10 1.2.2. The liturgical tradition ................................................................................................. 12 1.3. Psalm 117 in the tradition of the Church ............................................................................... 14 1.3.1 New Testament references ........................................................................................... 15 1.3.2 Patristic Commentaries ...............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Book of Psalms “Bless the Lord, O My Soul, and Forget Not All His Benefits” (103:2)
    THE BOOK OF PSALMS “BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL, AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS BENEFITS” (103:2) BOOK I BOOK II BOOK III BOOK IV BOOK V 41 psalms 31 psalms 17 psalms 17 psalms 44 psalms 1 41 42 72 73 89 90 106 107 150 DOXOLOGY AT THESE VERSES CONCLUDES EACH BOOK 41:13 72:18-19 89:52 106:48 150:6 JEWISH TRADITION ASCRIBES TOPICAL LIKENESS TO PENTATEUCH GENESIS EXODUS LEVITICUS NUMBERS DEUTERONOMY ────AUTHORS ──── mainly mainly (or all) DAVID mainly mainly mainly DAVID and KORAH ASAPH ANONYMOUS DAVID BOOKS II AND III ADDED MISCELLANEOUS ORIGINAL GROUP BY DURING THE REIGNS OF COLLECTIONS DAVID HEZEKIAH AND JOSIAH COMPILED IN TIMES OF EZRA AND NEHEMIAH POSSIBLE CHRONOLOGICAL STAGES IN THE GROWTH AND COLLECTION OF THE PSALTER 1 The Book of Psalms I. Book Title The word psalms comes from the Greek word psalmoi. It suggests the idea of a “praise song,” as does the Hebrew word tehillim. It is related to a Hebrew concept which means “the plucking of strings.” It means a song to be sung to the accompaniment of stringed instruments. The Psalms is a collection of worship songs sung to God by the people of Israel with musical accompaniment. The collection of these 150 psalms into one book served as the first hymnbook for God’s people, written and compiled to assist them in their worship of God. At first, because of the wide variety of these songs, this praise book was unnamed, but eventually the ancient Hebrews called it “The Book of Praises,” or simply “Praises.” This title reflects its main purpose──to assist believers in the proper worship of God.
    [Show full text]
  • Psalms Psalm
    Cultivate - PSALMS PSALM 126: We now come to the seventh of the "Songs of Ascent," a lovely group of Psalms that God's people would sing and pray together as they journeyed up to Jerusalem. Here in this Psalm they are praying for the day when the Lord would "restore the fortunes" of God's people (vs.1,4). 126 is a prayer for spiritual revival and reawakening. The first half is all happiness and joy, remembering how God answered this prayer once. But now that's just a memory... like a dream. They need to be renewed again. So they call out to God once more: transform, restore, deliver us again. Don't you think this is a prayer that God's people could stand to sing and pray today? Pray it this week. We'll pray it together on Sunday. God is here inviting such prayer; he's even putting the very words in our mouths. PSALM 127: This is now the eighth of the "Songs of Ascent," which God's people would sing on their procession up to the temple. We've seen that Zion / Jerusalem / The House of the Lord are all common themes in these Psalms. But the "house" that Psalm 127 refers to (in v.1) is that of a dwelling for a family. 127 speaks plainly and clearly to our anxiety-ridden thirst for success. How can anything be strong or successful or sufficient or secure... if it does not come from the Lord? Without the blessing of the Lord, our lives will come to nothing.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Wedding Scripture List the Following Passages Are Frequently Read As
    1 Wedding Scripture List The following passages are frequently read as part of the wedding ceremony. The list is not exhaustive and you may pick other texts. Passages may be read by your friends, family or the pastor. You are welcome to choose from any of the listings below. If you have another favorite, just let me know. I am always open to new possibilities. Janine Old Testament Lessons Genesis 1:26-28, 31; 2:18, 21-24 Psalms 23, 33, 34, 37:3-7, 67, 100, 103, 112, 117, 121, 127, 128, 136, 145, 148, 150 Song of Solomon 2:8-13; 8:6-7 Jeremiah 31:31-33 Isaiah 54:5-8 Hosea 2:18a, 19-20a Ruth 1:16-17 Epistle Lessons Romans 8:31-39; 12:1-2, 9-18 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13-14:1 Ephesians 3:14-21; 5:2, 21-33 Colossians 3:12-17 (may also include vs. 18-19). 1 Peter 3:1-9 1 John 3:18-24; 4:7-16 Revelation 19:1, 5-9 Gospel Lessons Matthew 5:1-12; 5:13-16; 7:12, 24-29; 19:3-6; 22:35-40 Mark 10:6-9, 13-16 John 2:1-11; 15:9-17 2 Old Testament Lessons Genesis 1:26-28, 31 Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
    [Show full text]
  • LESSON on PSALMS 107-129 September 18, 2019 Book Psalms
    LESSON ON PSALMS 107-129 September 18, 2019 Book Psalms for Praying An Invitation to Wholeness by Nan C. Merrill History Israel understood its history to be a life of co-existence with God. It was a partnership with God centered on a historical event (the Exodus). At that time, God entered into a binding covenant relationship with the Israelites. In the course of time, God initiated something new when he made David to be their king. In Scripture we see how historical events (stories) showed God’s continual active presence. Most catastrophic event (end of Israel as a nation) was seen as God coming to judge. It was also interpreted as God coming to renew the people even through their suffering. Israelites were the first to discover the meaning of history as the epiphany of God. Israel was to be a partner with God in these events and to respond to his presence and activity. Emphasis was primarily on the actions of God. Old Testament showed that Israel did not keep silent about the mighty acts of God. People recalled the acts in historical writings and addressed God in a very personal way. People raised hymns of praise, boldly asked questions, and complained in the depths of distress. In this covenant relationship, Israel could converse with God. Finest example we have of this conversation with God is the Book of Psalms. It is a condensed account of the whole drama of the history of Israel. We have already noted that it is impossible to put them in their proper historical periods.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 a Little Psalm with a Big Message Psalm 117 Introduction: 1) in His
    1 A Little Psalm With A Big Message Psalm 117 Introduction: 1) In His classic work on missions Let The Nations Be Glad, John Piper notes, “Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn‟t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man.” 2) These words capture what Psalm 117 is all about: missions to the nations who do not worship God in order that they may worship Him. 3) Psalm 117 is both the shortest Psalm in the Psalter and the shortest chapter in all of the Bible. Spurgeon however is exactly right, “this psalm, which is very little in its letter, is exceedingly large in its spirit, for, bursting all bounds of race or nationality, it calls upon all mankind to praise the name of the Lord.” Luther loved it, and wrote a 36 page commentary on it. That is 18 pages per verse! 4) Psalm 117 is a part of a sextet of songs, Psalms 113-118, known as the “Egyptian Hallel.” Built around the emphasis of Psalm 114, a celebration of the Exodus, these 6 songs were sung as the Hebrews gathered to celebrate the Passover, God‟s great act of salvation on their behalf. Psalms 113 and 114 were sung before the memorial meal, and Psalms 115-118 were sung afterwards. Jesus and His disciples would have sung these very psalms on the night they celebrated the Passover, just before His betrayal and arrest (Matt 26:30; Mark 14:26). 5) Interestingly two other sections of the Psalms are known as Hallel (“Hallelujeh”) psalms.
    [Show full text]
  • PSALMS 90-150 80 Books Four and Five
    PSALMS 90-150 80 Books Four and Five BOOK FOUR (Psalms 90-106) Psalm 102: Prayer in time of distress Psalm 90: God and time In this fifth of seven Penitential Psalms, the psalmist experiences emotional and bodily pain and cries out This psalm, amongst other things, reflects on the to God. Because his worldview is that God is the relationship between God and time and the transience cause of all things, he assumes that God is the cause of human life. (See NAB for more.) of his current pain. (See NAB for more.) Psalm 91: God, my shelter Psalm 103: “Thank you, God of Mercy.” Often used for night prayer, this psalm images God This is a psalm of thanksgiving to the God who is full with big wings in whom we can find shelter in times of mercy for sinners. of danger. Much of the psalm hints at the story of the Exodus and wilderness wandering as it speaks of Psalm 104: Hymn of praise to God pathways, dangers, pestilence, tents, and serpents. As the psalmist sojourns along paths laden with dangers, This psalm is a hymn of praise to God the Creator the sole refuge is the Lord who “will cover you with whose power and wisdom are manifested in the his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge” visible universe. (Ps 91:4). (See NAB for more.) Psalm 105: Another hymn of praise to God Psalm 92: Hymn of thanksgiving to God for his Like the preceding psalm, this didactic historical fidelity hymn praises God for fulfilling his promise to Israel.
    [Show full text]
  • 4241—The Book of Psalms
    1 Survey of the Old Testament – Psalms INTRODUCTION: This is the 19th book of the Old Testament and the 2nd book of Poetry. Psalms contains 150 chapters out of a total of 1,189 chapters in the Scripture making it the longest book in the Bible. Given the large amount of material, and the poetic nature, it has also become the most frequently quoted book in the Bible. Generally, the Psalms have been classified into three basic types: • lament, • thanksgiving, and • praise AUTHORS: The authorship of many is uncertain. It is probable that in some cases the name affixed to certain psalms may refer to the collector, rather than the author. The following is a conjectural list of authors taken from the various versions of the Scriptures: • David, 73; • The Sons of Korah, 11; • Asaph 12; • Heman, 1; • Ethan, 1; • Solomon, 2; • Moses 1; • Haggai, 1; • Zechariah, 1; • Hezekiah, uncertain; • Ezra, 1; and • the remainder are anonymous. DATE WRITTEN: Since the book of Psalms is a collection of songs by various authors, their dates vary greatly as well. Moses wrote the oldest psalm during his forty years in the wilderness, approximately 1440—1400 BC. Many of the psalms were written during the reigns of David and Solomon in approximately the tenth century BC. The latest psalms were completed shortly after the Jewish return from Babylon in about 537 BC. From the time of Moses (c. 1440 B.C.) to Ezra (c. 450 B.C.) PURPOSE: 150 spiritual songs and poems used by God's people in worship and devotional. It was used as the hymnbook in the second temple after the Babylonian captivity.
    [Show full text]
  • PSALMS His Royal Library, Must Have Been Acquainted with the Songs of His Predecessors
    STUDIES IN PSALMS his royal library, must have been acquainted with the songs of his predecessors. What if,-in providing for his Great Passover, to which he was so anxious to bring, in reunion, all Israel,- what if he discovered and brought into passover use this song of Jehoshaphat’s days, weaving it into the service, with probably some of his own compositions,-would not such an appropriation of this psalm help to fix it in the “Hallel” for ever? QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION 1. What evidence of independent origin is found in this psalm? Read I1 Chr. 20. 2. This psalm w,as used for a very special occasion-what was it? 3. Rotherham seems very confident as to the historical circum- stances for the original use of this song. Where and when? 4. Hezekiah could have made special use of this psalm. How? f PSALM 116 DESCRIPTIVE TITLE Individual Thanks for Deliverance from Peril of Death. ANALYSIS Stam I., vers. 1-4,With Profession of Love the Psalmist Describes his Peril and Prayer. Stanza IL, vers. 5-9, In Glowing Terms describes Jehovah’s Answer. Stanza III., vets. 10-14, Reviewing his Trial, he Desires to Return Public Thanks. Srarua IV., vers. 15-19, The Costliness of Death Intensifies his Desire for hblicity in Thanksgiving. (P.R.I.) Praise ye Yah. 1 I love- For Jehovah heareth my voice my supplications ; 2 For he hath inclined his ear unto me, and throughout my days will I cal1.I 3 There encompassed me the meshes of death, and the straits of hades overtook me ; distress and sorrow I found: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Through the Bible Course March 2, 1947 Psalms the Reverend Dr
    Through the Bible Course March 2, 1947 Psalms The Reverend Dr. Girard Lowe Key Word: Worship Key Verse: 103:1 Name: Hebrew means, “Praises” or “Hymns.” It is the Hebrew “Prayer and Praise Book.” Authors: Seventy-three by David; 12 by Asaph (one of David’s choir leaders) refer to Chronicles 25:1-7; 11 by children of Korah (the poetic priests of David’s time); 2 by Solomon; 1 by Moses (90th); 50 are anonymous (some believe many of these were by David) I. Some interesting facts about Psalms 1. Psalm 14 and 43 are alike. 2. Psalm 119 is longest chapter in the Bible; there are not more than three verses which fail to mention God’s Word under one name or another. 3. Psalm 117 is shortest chapter in the Bible – also the middle. 4. Psalm 118:8 is the middle verse in the Bible. II. Five Divisions Each Ending with Doxology 1. Psalms 1 through 41 – these are ascribed to David and reflect much of his life and faith. 2. Psalms 42 through 72 – ascribed to several authors; those of sons of Korah being prominent. These are especially full of historical facts. 3. Psalms 73 through 89 – most these ascribed to Asaph and were specially prescribed for worship. They are also strongly historical. 4. Psalms 90 through 106 – they reflect much of the pre-captivity sentiment and history. 5. Psalms 107 through 150 – mostly matters pertaining to captivity and the return to Jerusalem. a. Psalms 120 through 134 were probably sung by caravan pilgrims as they went up to various sections of the country to keep annual feasts at Jerusalem.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 a Little Psalm with a Big Message Psalm 117 1) in Let the Nations Be
    1 A Little Psalm With A Big Message Psalm 117 1) In Let The Nations Be Glad, John Piper notes, “Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man.” 2) Psalm 117 is all about missions to the nations who do not worship God in order that they may worship Him. 3) Psalm 117 is both the shortest Psalm in the Psalter and the shortest chapter in all of the Bible. Luther loved it, and wrote a 36 page commentary on it. 4) It is a part of a sextet of songs, Psalms 113-118, known as the “Egyptian Hallel.” Built around the emphasis of Psalm 114, a celebration of the Exodus, these 6 songs were sung as the Hebrews gathered to celebrate the Passover. Psalms 113 and 114 were sung before the memorial meal, and Psalms 115-118 were sung afterwards. Jesus and His disciples would have sung these very psalms on the night they celebrated the Passover, just before His betrayal and arrest (Matt 26:30; Mark 14:26). 5) Interestingly Psalms 120-136 is called the “Great Hallel” and Psalms 146-150 conclude the Psalter on a Hallelujah or praise note. 6) Psalm 117 is anonymous and the fifth of the Egyptian or Exodus hallels. Paul quotes this little jewel in Romans 15:11 as evidence that God’s redemptive love and purpose has always included the nations, just like He promised Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3.
    [Show full text]
  • Fr. Lazarus Moore the Septuagint Psalms in English
    THE PSALTER Second printing Revised PRINTED IN INDIA AT THE DIOCESAN PRESS, MADRAS — 1971. (First edition, 1966) (Translated by Archimandrite Lazarus Moore) INDEX OF TITLES Psalm The Two Ways: Tree or Dust .......................................................................................... 1 The Messianic Drama: Warnings to Rulers and Nations ........................................... 2 A Psalm of David; when he fled from His Son Absalom ........................................... 3 An Evening Prayer of Trust in God............................................................................... 4 A Morning Prayer for Guidance .................................................................................... 5 A Cry in Anguish of Body and Soul.............................................................................. 6 God the Just Judge Strong and Patient.......................................................................... 7 The Greatness of God and His Love for Men............................................................... 8 Call to Make God Known to the Nations ..................................................................... 9 An Act of Trust ............................................................................................................... 10 The Safety of the Poor and Needy ............................................................................... 11 My Heart Rejoices in Thy Salvation ............................................................................ 12 Unbelief Leads to Universal
    [Show full text]