2023/09/05 - Psalms 123-124: Mercy & Thanksgiving
Jerry Starling
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Reading: Psalms 123-123 – Mercy & Thanksgiving
Verses for Today:
As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, until He has mercy on us. (Psalm 123:2) Our help is in the name of the LORD who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:8)
Daily Devo:
Mercy:
Psalm 123 is a plea for mercy. “Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt.” This plea was directed to God who is enthroned in the heavens, “To You I lift my eyes, as the eyes of servants look to the hands of their master, so our eyes look to the Lord our God until He has mercy upon us.
Many have wrong ideas about God in the Old Testament as a God of wrath who converted in the New Testament to be a God of mercy. There is much mercy and grace in the Old Testament. In fact, God wanted to show mercy; his wrath was reserved for sin, especially the national sins of idolatry.
At Sinai, Moses asked the favor of God. “If I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways, so I may know you and find favor in Your sight.” The Lord agreed, and Moses added, “Show me Your glory, I pray.” (Exodus 33:13, 18)
God said, “I will make all my goodness pass by you, and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The LORD’; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But”, He said, “you cannot see my face, for no one can see my face and live.” Moses was able to see God’s back, but not His face. Some call this statement by God "The God Creed,” a promise by God to be faithful to His people and show them merciful kindness. This Creed is found throughout the Old Testament.
Thanksgiving:
Psalm 124, attributed to David by the heading, is a Psalm of Thanksgiving for the deliverance of Israel. “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side when our enemies attacked us, they would have swallowed us up alive... The flood would have swept us away.”
Israel always feared the water. To them it meant danger. It is possible this was a metaphor for danger. However, in Deborah’s judgment of Israel, she sent Barack to fight their foes, Sisera and other Canaanite kings. They defeated them with a similar deluge of water. Sisera had many chariots, but they did him no good.
The waters of Megiddo, where Barack had his army, were a trap for Sisera. “The torrent Kishon swept them away, the onrushing torrent, the torrent Kishon.” David could well have had a similar battle where God fought on his side and the flood, the torrent swept the enemy away and spared David. God has a way of doing things like that when pagans threaten His people.
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” But do you notice how David gave the glory to God? He did not boast of his own achievement but gave all glory to God.
Do we give God the glory? Or do we boast of ourselves?
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Pray for Yourself Father, be merciful to me, a sinner, and receive my thanks for all your goodness to me, especially your forgiveness of my sins. In the precious, holy name of Jesus, AMEN!
My Prayer for You (and for me) Father, I offer this prayer for all who may read these words. May each of us meditate on Your mercy and on our need for giving thanks to you for all you have done, continue to do, and even for the blessings you give without our knowledge. In the holy and precious name of Jesus, I pray, AMEN!
Updates for Central
The Wednesday Morning Ladies’ Class will resume on Wednesday this week. All ladies are welcome to attend at 10:00 am. Those able to go to lunch afterward are welcome.
The Kid’s Club will be on Saturday, September 16 from 6:00-8:00 pm., ages five to twelve. Kendra Criss oversees this date.
Our Donation for Eastern European Mission’s Million Dollar Sunday will be taken on September 24. The entire contribution that day will go to EEM for Bibles in the old Soviet bloc of nations in Eastern Europe. Last year increased by 24% over 2021 with the most Bibles ever given away at about 1,964,000 Bibles distributed. They are hoping for more this year. What began as smuggling Bibles, after the fall of Communism, became an open mission with public schools and many other clients asking for Bibles.
Prayer Needs
Pat Duncan’s friend’s grandchild Daniel is back in the hospital after coming home. They are trying to find just what this baby’s problem is, so they can deal with it. Keep the family in your prayers.
Shane Ledford tested positive for Covid Friday morning, and Tom followed on Saturday. Pray for both Ledford's.
Susan Allen came home Thursday following her procedure. Keep her in your prayers.
Cindi Criss had her surgical procedure Friday, late in the day, stayed two nights in the hospital, but was discharged on Sunday, September 3. Keep her in your prayers.
Jennifer San Juan asked for more prayer for her daughter, Dawn. She is not doing very well, and Jennifer is deeply concerned.
Carl Bolli asks for prayers, as he fell a few weeks ago. He missed his CAT scan d/t the storm and is rescheduled for September 8.
Lee Cain asked for prayers for Mike & Kathryn Hartman. She had a head-on collision when a car came across the median directly into her. She is out of the hospital, but still has more surgery to face. Pray for both, as he owns his own business, and taking care of her is his first priority. Meanwhile, the business suffers.
Joan Berry, Joanna Turner’s Mother, needs our prayers.
Carol Grandey, Brenda Schmidt’s sister, is home and is going into rehab. Keep her in your prayers.
Jesse Matthews, Sr. Ruth said he is in rehab, and they are looking for a nursing home for him. Their daughter is also still recuperating from her broken ankle. She needs prayers as does the whole family.
Kristi Holder is gaining day by day, but she still has weeks of wearing her hard brace. Keep her in your prayers.
Joy Bland found she has a broken bone in her foot that requires a boot to help it heal. She will have it for about six weeks and had a PET scan. She is considering further treatment.
Gale Harnish is home, but not well. Keep her in your prayers.
Susan Allen’s sister Debi is not well at all. Please remember her in your prayers.
Please let us know when you have events to publicize, are in the hospital, or are sick and need prayers. If you request prayer for someone, let us know when to take them off the prayer list. You can contact me by text or phone at 407-453-5392.