Friday 05 April 2019

Psalm: Psalm 111

Background

This passage begins with salvation as Divine choosing which is expressed through refreshing:

Do not fear, O Jacob my servant,
   Jeshurun whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
   and streams on the dry ground (vs. 2-3)

Responding to this Divine choosing by public declaration acknowledges God’s salvation:

This one will say, “I am the Lord’s,”
   another will be called by the name of Jacob,
yet another will write on the hand, “The Lord’s,”
   and adopt the name of Israel. (v. 5)

This leads into the majestic, monotheistic proclamation of God:

Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel,
   and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
I am the first and I am the last;
   besides me there is no god. (v. 6) 

Monotheism has a purpose and that purpose is, within the prophetic outlook, redemption. To be redeemed is to be without fear. Christians may often feel fearful and this can be an attitude which pervades churches, suggesting perhaps that we are not finding monotheism to be the encouragement that it should be.

To Ponder:

•  How are you feeling Divine refreshing in your life?
• Where does acknowledging belonging to God fit within your faith outlook?