Sermon for July 14th, 2019

Psalm 11:1-7

To the leader. Of David.
1 In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to me,
    “Flee like a bird to the mountains;
2 for look, the wicked* bend the bow,
    they have fitted their arrow to the string,
    to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart.
3 If the foundations are destroyed,
    what can the righteous do?”

4 The Lord is in his holy temple;
    the Lord’s throne is in heaven.
    His eyes behold, his gaze examines humankind.
5 The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked,
    and his soul hates the lover of violence.
6 On the wicked he will rain coals of fire and sulfur;
    a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
7 For the Lord is righteous;
he loves righteous deeds;
    the upright shall behold his face.

Psummer of Psalms II - Psalm 11

• triumphant answer of faith to cowardly counsel.
• Psalm of Trust, along with 16, 23, 27
• Throne is in heaven, temple is on earth -- or, God is active in the world, and yet God also transcends the world. God is with us, and yet God is over us.
• Summary of this Psalm: Wait. Trust. Keep the faith.
• This Psalm is an affirmation of faith, not unlike the Apostle's creed.
• Courage.