Saturday 10 August 2024

Psalm 42

Background
As our week, which has been focused on ‘Imitating Christ’ comes to an end, Paul gives his readers a resounding charge to take seriously their salvation, in order they might shine like stars. 

The instruction to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (v. 12) has led to much debate over many centuries. Is Paul straying from his usual emphasis that salvation comes through faith in God's grace rather than doing good works? Almost immediately he resolves that question with a reminder that it is God who is at work in the believer (v. 13) bringing about not only the ability to lead a godly life, but also the desire to do so. Reflecting on this verse may lead us to consider the tension between agency in our own spirituality and the need to rely totally on God’s grace.

The instruction not to murmur or argue (v. 14) is reminiscent of many occasions during the Israelites' wilderness years (eg Exodus 15:24; 16:2,7-9, 12), when they complained about God to their leader Moses. Perhaps Paul is hinting that he sees the same pattern repeated now. Certainly it hints at possible disunity within the Philippian church. Paul suggests a life free from such complaint and resentment leads to a bright and shining witness throughout the world.

In the final two verses Paul reinforces the sense of connection between himself and this beloved congregation. It is their tenacity which renders his labour worthwhile. 

Paul refers to the practice of a libation or drink offering (v. 17). It is possible that he is referring to his own death here, or simply to the possibility that his labour, or some of it, has been futile. Such a ‘pouring out’ may look like a waste, but discipleship, sacrifice and offering are not to be construed in such terms. Even if what Paul has offered seems fruitless, he has cause to rejoice – and so should they.

To Ponder:

• Think about and give thanks for people you know who ‘shine like stars in the world‘.
• How easily can you accept a directive not to murmur or argue?  Do you think some things need to be argued about?
• How do you respond to Paul’s conclusion that even if his own life seems to be ‘poured out’ wastefully, there is still reason for rejoicing in the progress of the gospel among others?

Prayer
Ready for all thy perfect will, my acts of faith and love repeat
Till death thy endless mercies seal and make the sacrifice complete. (Singing the Faith 564, verse 4)

Bible notes author: Jill Baker
Jill is glad to be part of the small Methodist Church in Scotland. She is a local preacher and tutor in the Strathclyde Circuit, and lives in Glasgow.