Dear Readers and Listeners, Friends in Jesus Christ,
The watchword for today is taken from Psalm Fifty verse Fifteen, “God said: Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me,” (NRSVB). Psalm Fifty is a psalm attributed to Asaph, he was a Levite, and one of the leaders of the tabernacle choirs in the time of King David. It is told in the Book of Ezra that one hundred and twenty eight of the family members of Asaph returned from the Babylonian captivity, and they participated as choir singers in the ceremony of laying the foundations of the new temple, sometimes referred to as Zerubbabel’s Temple. In this psalm the poet praises God’s might and power. He tells of God reaction as he beholds the worship services. God comes and does not keep silent, but calls together his saints, those who bring praise offerings to him.
God does not need burnt offerings, for all the cattle and the flocks are his. God does not need any earthly gift from humans for the heaven and the earth are his. But God honours and delivers those who bring offerings of praise and thanksgiving. Those who teach others to sing praises to the Lord, and those who prepare songs of praise to the Lord, will experience God’s salvation. Working in the house of the Lord, preparing the altar for him, teaching the choirs to sing, playing in the worship team, singing praises that enhance the worship to the glory of God, these are acts of joyful offering. Those who serve God joyously in this manner have entered into a covenant of praise with the heavens who declare God’s name and glory. In declaring God’s name we pronounce that we have respect, and walk, in the ways of the Lord. Coming into his house with thanksgiving demonstrates how we remember our Lord, using the gifts and talents that he has given us, to his glory.
Singing to God, bringing offerings of praise when times are difficult, remind us of the times that he delivered those who praised him who have gone before us. Even the captives in Babylon had to sing their songs, despite feeling saddened, for these reminded them of the precious times of worship, before they were exiled. The songs sustained their hope that they would return and sing in the temple again. They continued to teach the songs to their children so that the next generations would also be able to sing the songs of the temple on their return. They wept when they sang and hung their harps on the trees when they became overwhelmed with sadness. When the wind would blow gently through the air, the harps strings vibrated and made beautiful sounds. The captives were consoled as their songs were sung far away from the temple and the homes where they longed to be.
Singing to God in harmony with others, joining our voices together, we strengthen each other through creating music, even lament music. Our music is enjoyed by God and humans, it enhances the times of worship. God created humans and gifted them with creative power to compose works of art, music and song. Seemingly, out of the air, a beautiful melody is given. By listening to the notes, and hearing the words, we note how words and music combine to give expression to feelings that words alone cannot capture. When the angels sang in the heavens, “Peace on earth”, the shepherds were deeply moved. They were not afraid, but emboldened by the angelic music, and went to find the Baby in the Stable with this parents, and it was just as they were told. The beauty of the music, and the angelic proclamation of the Word of God, witnessed to God’s glory and praised the coming of the Redeemer of humankind, Jesus our Lord.
The birds joyous song are morning and evening offerings to the Lord, praising him for the break of day and the breaking of night. The songs of the stars that glitters in the sky are symphonies of shining and twinkling light, offering praises to our Lord. The rising of the Morning star announces the work of God, continuously creating new days for us to enjoy. Because of God’s great power and might his subjects need not to fear anything. He is not a God who rules his children with fear, but with love. He uses his mighty power to deliver his children and to create good and marvellous things for them to delight in. God cares for us so much that he not only feeds our bodies with living water and nourishing food, he feeds our eyes with beautiful sights, and our ears with magnificent sounds. He created exquisite smells and aromas in flowers and seeds, and he gave the gift of his own artistry to the humans, so that they may experience joy. Calling on God in the day of trouble, is for the Lord, as the call of a little child is for a loving parent. Mothers and fathers delight in holding the child’s hand, talking comforting words, chasing the fears of the dark away. God gladly comes when we call and delivers us from our dark moments. The Apostle Peter knew dark moments and times of anxiety, but he also experienced the mountain-top moments of faith and grace as a disciple of Jesus. He wrote in his First Letter in Chapter Five verse Seven, regarding our trust and faith in Jesus Christ, “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you,” (NRSVB).
Father, we thank you that we may call on you, for you delight in answering us, for we are your children! You want us to be free of fear and anxiety, to be able to trust and rely on your care and mighty power to deliver us. We gladly offer you, O Lord, our songs and prayers of praise and thanksgiving, Amen.