Instruction
Scripture: Psalm 123
Psalm 123 is one of the Songs of Ascents, songs sung by
pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem. However, this one is unique. Most of the
Songs of Ascent have a positive message in the end, so that even if they lament
trials and suffering they confidently declare trust in God to rescue them. This
psalm is the prayer of the downtrodden and those who are mocked for their faith
and obedience to God. It is a cry for mercy. This psalm gives us words to pray
when we, too, are worn out by the scorn and contempt of those who are of this
world, and reminds us to keep our eyes on the Lord in the midst of our
troubles.
Teaching
In sports, players are often urged to keep their eye on the
ball. Here we are urged to keep our eyes on God. In the past, servants and
slaves lived wholly at their masters’ will and they relied on them completely
for every good thing in their lives. The same is true for us. Our eyes are
fixed on God to see his mercy as he gives us what we need.
Yet the world scorns those who wait on the Lord. Those who
are at ease find their comfort in earthly pleasures and feel no need for God’s
mercy. Those who rely on God’s mercy are treated with contempt, as the proud of
this world rely on their own power, wealth, or skill.
Life
Where are your eyes right now? Are they on the problems in
your life? Are they focused on earthly things – pleasures, sorrows, comforts,
insults? The world gives a two sided temptation to us as it places both good
things and bad things before us. Either could be our focus, distracting us from
the God who has had mercy on us.
So where do our eyes belong? On God. On the cross. It is
there that we see God’s mercy so clearly revealed to us. The contempt that we
experience because we faithfully follow Jesus may get us down, but God’s mercy
is greater, and his promise is more permanent than the scorn and contempt we
face here. Do not lose heart! God’s mercy is yours.
Prayer
This prayer is written
in the theme of Confession.
O Lord, we confess to you that we grow weary of the contempt
we bear because of our faith in you. Forgive us for the times we have given in
to the temptations of ease and pride, comfort and power. Too often we take our
eyes off of you and do not trust you to provide us with all that we need, and
we long to solve our problems in our own power. Forgive us for not waiting
patiently for your mercy. Forgive us for the times that your promises were not
enough for us, and help us to be content in your forgiveness. Amen.
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