Psalm 50

John Wesley sent Circuit Riders to the American colonies with a dual charge: “You have no other business than to save souls and to spread scriptural holiness across the land.” He certainly could have drawn his inspiration for this charge from Psalm 50.

The psalm’s beautiful prose is attributed to Asaph, one of King David’s chief musicians. The psalm is also deeply prophetic as it reminds Israel that one day, all of humanity will stand before their Creator, to give an account of their life.

This judgment by God will look deeply into our heart and at our hands. In verses 7-15 God judges worship and in verses 16-21, God judges obedience. God’s judgment of both is not superficial. God is not at all interested in the form of our worship or whether we are mindful of keeping rules. God is interested in how we live our lives. Are we thankful for the gift of life? Is our thankfulness expressed in acts of compassion and mercy for our neighbors?

In verses 14 and 23 the psalmist asserts that thankfulness truly honors God. Perhaps James, the brother of our Lord, also took inspiration from Psalm 50 when he taught that faith without works is useless, because Biblical thankfulness is focused on the Giver of life, not the gifts received (James 2: 14-19). I think James couples the psalmist’s dualism of worship and obedience beautifully when he writes:

“Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

James 2:18

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading of the Psalms

 attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

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Reading for June 21, 2012         Psalm 51