Reflections
Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 15 (Read)
“Let the words of my mouth meet with your favor, O Lord.”
Where does the power come from to keep us on track,
to speak the right words, think the right thoughts?
It comes from the Lord, our rock and redeemer.
And how does it come to us? It comes through
the Word, the inspired Word of God.
It is through the Word that we know His commandments,
and through this Psalm that we know His law is a source
of refreshment, a source of joy. When we follow the
Lord’s commands, there is a joy that is stirred up in
our hearts. “The precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart.”
His statutes do not bind us, they set us free. As in
the days of Ezra, the reading of the law should not
make us sad, but be a source of rejoicing.
(Nehemiah 8:9-10)
If we are to imitate the divine life, everything we need
to know is found in God’s law. The Word is the source
of wisdom; it is where power is found. And it is where
the statutes of God are spelled out.
The Lord's statutes serve as our instruction manual
for life. But they are not just a dry set of rules that
we cannot hope to follow; God's commandments
refresh our souls.
The Word and the statutes endure forever.
They are refreshing to the soul.
They enlighten the eye.
And they bring much reward.
As Christ says in today's Gospel,
scripture is fulfilled in our hearing. (Luke 4:21)
Give us ears to hear!
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our Psalm response this Sunday is 'Your words, Lord,
are Spirit and life.' In what way are you impacted along
your faith journey by the words of our Lord?
2. Speak of how the Lord's commandments are useful in
carrying out the prayer of our psalmist, 'Let the words of my
mouth and the thoughts of my heart find favor before you.'
The Lord's commandments, statutes and precepts are the guidelines of human life and also lead us to Salvation. They come from the inspired word of God.
ReplyDeleteAs the Psalmist said, the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. His statutes are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the eye and heart. His ordinances are sure and altogether righteous.
His laws are a source of wisdom and power to be holy. That is the reason His words are Spirit and life and put us on the right track for our faith journey. Without them my life would lose direction.
The Word can discern our errors and forgive my hidden sins and faults. His words do not rule over me, they do not chain me, instead they set me free.
His words point at danger and warn me, giving me a signal when danger is near, and so protect me from sin and guide me in the righteous way.
That's why this is my prayer song, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight." I could find favor before God if I keep God's Laws. I praise you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.