Difference between revisions of "Sermon for July 5th, 2020"

Revision as of 22:06, 3 July 2020

Psalm 67:1-7

To the leader: with stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song.
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
2 that your way may be known upon earth,
    your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you.

4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
    for you judge the peoples with equity
    and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you.

6 The earth has yielded its increase;
    God, our God, has blessed us.
7 May God continue to bless us;
    let all the ends of the earth revere him.

Psummer of Psalms - Psalm 67

Independence Day was fast approaching last week, and so the preschool teacher took the opportunity to teach her class all about patriotism. She said to them, “You know, we live in a great country. And one of the best things about it is that we are all free.” At this, a little boy marched up to her from the back of the class, put his hands on his hips and said angrily, “I’m not free. I’m four.”

Twelve years ago, when my oldest son, Grady, was free--I mean, three--and liked to run at top speed through the house, we put a thick blanket over the brick fireplace in the living room so he wouldn't fall on it and hurt himself. He quickly decided that this was his personal stage for concerts and performances. One day we managed to record him doing his thing:

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To Grady (and most kids that age) birthdays were a really big deal, the best thing ever. And so I love how in that moment, when he imagined all the world was watching, his wish--his blessing--to his audience was for a happy birthday. Not just for mommy and daddy (those closest to him), but happy birthday with outstretched arms to "all of them." To everyone. Period.

That's the prevailing sentiment behind Psalm 67, a joyful psalm that celebrates God's goodness, God's justice, and God's favor -- and then extends a wish for that blessing and joy to be shared by all nations, and all people, everywhere. Period.

Psalm 67 begins with a blessing: