Psalm 125

Reading for September 3, 2012            Psalm 125

A syndicated columnist recently lamented the vestiges of latent, and sometimes overt racism still prevalent in many sections of our country. The columnist mused about various causes and solutions, but in the end wondered if things would ever be different. If asked, I would suggest the columnist read Psalm 125.

About three hundred years ago, there was a seismic shift in worldview. The birthing of the scientific and industrial age was also the birthing of the Age of Enlightenment. The moral foundation of nations shifted from the Bible to government. Society would now advance and improve through good government and good education, leading to good habits. Many of the churches of that time were corrupt, and thus, a Bible-based worldview was vulnerable to challenge.

The fatal flaw in their new philosophy was the foundation they built on shifting sand. They removed Godly moral absolutes for a new morality defined by whoever may hold the power. I can imagine the promoters of this failed worldview excusing their choice with the classic line, “It seemed like a good idea at the time.” If they had looked, perhaps they would have discovered the timeless truth of scripture: “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death” (Proverbs 14:12). The Apostle Paul warned his student Timothy of such dangers: “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths” (2 Timothy 4: 3-4).

When the psalmist proclaims “The wicked will not rule the land of the godly” (v. 3a), we remember the Kingdom of God now rests in the hearts of God’s people. We do face the forces of evil in our times; however, God has not left us unattended or empty-handed. God has provided all the armor and weapons we need. (See Ephesians 6) Therefore, we can rest in the sure promises of our God,

    

“Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion;

    they will not be defeated but will endure forever.”

Psalm 125:1

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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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

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Reading for September 4, 2012            Psalm 126