Psalm 124 (NRSV)
We have escaped like a bird
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side
- let Israel now say -
if it had not been the Lord who was on our side,
when our enemies attacked us,
then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us;
then the flood would have swept us away,
the torrent would have gone over us;
then over us would have gone
the raging waters.
We have escaped like a bird
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side
- let Israel now say -
if it had not been the Lord who was on our side,
when our enemies attacked us,
then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us;
then the flood would have swept us away,
the torrent would have gone over us;
then over us would have gone
the raging waters.
Blessed be the Lord,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Reflection
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Reflection
If it had not been for the Lord who was on our side, or even at our side, when we were in the wrong... When he was on our side, he was there to see us through... See us through not to rescue us necessarily, but to see us through because he loves us. The Father was on Jesus' side in his life on earth along with the Spirit. But Jesus wasn't rescued from the pain and suffering... However Jesus was rescued and defeated sin, death and the devil. In this same manner, God is on our side. We will suffer, we will sin, unlike Jesus, but because of the gracious wonderful love of what Jesus did, while the Father and the Spirit were on his side, now Jesus will reside at our side and bring us through our sin with him to unite us as one in him and he in us.
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. We can't do this on our own power. We must take the help of the Savior, Creator, Redeemer, Father, Spirit. Our help is in God, not anything else. And through this help we will fly free like a bird, in joy to move across all the earth. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, you alone are almighty, you alone save. Forgive those times when I think that I can save myself without any help. I turn to you for forgiveness, salvation, and the power and strength to endure the pain. I turn to you knowing of the hope and joy you give freely. My help is in you. --- Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment