Scripture Text (NRSV)
Psalm 119:97-104
119:97 Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long.
119:98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is
always with me.
119:99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your
decrees are my meditation.
119:100 I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.
119:101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep
your word.
119:102 I do not turn away from your ordinances, for you have
taught me.
119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to
my mouth!
119:104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I
hate every false way.
Comments:
It always makes me sad for the Psalm site to be un-entered-into! This
Psalm in particular is troublesome - it has always seemed
self-righteous to me: everyone else is in trouble, but I love your
law, God! But as I begin to be introduced to the tradition of using
sung Psalms in worship, something about saying over and over again
what you pray will become true for you - well, it seems like a good
idea. Maybe if I say "I love your teaching, Lord" for as many verses
there are in the 119th, maybe I'll move deeper into actually
experiencing that love. kbc in sc where many prayers are being
answered
kbc in sc,
Gently, I would urge you not to change the word Law to teaching,
they're very different words with very different meanings.
Without the Law, there'd be no Grace. Without the Law, there'd be no
Mercy. So love the Law, because loving the Law is loving Grace and
Mercy.
Loving the Law is loving Jesus, for without the Law, there'd be no
need of Him.
It is the Law, after all, that defines sin. It's because of sin, that
God the Father sent His Son.
The good news of the Gospel would make no sense if it were not for
God's Law. So do "love the Law and meditate on it day and night."
Rick in Va
To kbc in sc, there IS something about singing the Psalms that brings
new richness and meaning and points to something greater and beyond
ourselves. In my church we sing the Psalm every Sunday----it's become
one of my favorite parts of the service! A
To kbc in sc, there IS something about singing the Psalms that brings
new richness and meaning and points to something greater and beyond
ourselves. In my church we sing the Psalm every Sunday----it's become
one of my favorite parts of the service! A
to kbc in sc, There IS something almost mystical about singing the
Psalms (instead of just reading them) Somehow it's richer, more
meaningful, and points to something greater and beyond ourselves. In
my church, we sing the Psalm every Sunday---it has become one of my
favorite parts of the service. A
I'm using the alternate Psalm (19) which also tells of the wonder of
God's law but it begins with the wonders of creation "telling the
glory of God." I am then moving to the Jeremiah text. Here is the
progression:
The psalm compares Natural Law (which informs us about God's glory)
with the revealed Law of Moses (which informs us of God's character)
Then Jeremiah speaks of a new law, not written in stone (cold, harsh,
unyeilding, external) but on our hearts! That new Law is God Himself
and is the basis of the New Covenant in Jesus' blood. "Christ in us
the hope of glory!" How I will put all that into a sermon, I'm not
sure, but that's what I'm thinking (desperately on Saturday!)
KenTucky
I have been studying Psalm 119 for weeks! (As well as Psalm 118) What
I am finding is not legalism at all but rather the character, love,
and the WAYS of the Lord! When we begin to unravel the various words
and their meanings, we find, indeed, a richness that is so beautiful,
and as many of you say, that can be sung! Adam Clark's Commentary
describes some of the words used in Psalm 119: "Law- TORAH, to direct,
guide, teach, make straight, or even, point forward; because it
guides, directs, and instructs in the way of righteousness; makes our
paths straight, shows what is even and right, and points us onward to
peace, truth, and happiness. It is even our school master to bring us
to Christ, that we may be justified through faith; and by it is the
knowledge of sin." Each of the letters have meaning in Hebrew. Aleph
means teacher, etc. So when reading the first 8 verses, see them as
being given to you and being taught to you by the great teacher, the
Lord Jesus Christ! j&lk in Wyo
A year late addition. Don't know if anyone will even see this. But
sinc I am preaching on this test Sunday I will comment. I spent the
first part of this week contimplation this text. I too am concerne
about works righteousness. I is easier to understand in light of what
he taught reguarding the Law. Luther said there are three purposes for
the Law. The curb, the Rule and the Mirror. The Mirror shows us our
sin. The curb keep my neighbor in check. And the Rule guides my life.
Even though the Law convits us of sin, on another level it guides
Christians. It keeps me from hurting my neighbor and vise versa. It is
on those moments we Love the Law. My Sermon is Tough decisions, easy
answers. God's Laws makes lifes diffult decisions EASY. Peace Rev. Ron
