November 4, 2015

Instruction
Scripture: Psalm 146
Psalm 146 is the first of the “Hallelujah Psalms.” This particular psalm is an acrostic: each line begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet in alphabetical order. As the psalmist praises God he expresses his commitment to do so through his whole life, contrasts God to the unreliable power of political figures, recounts some of God’s blessings and deeds, and declares that the Lord will reign forever. All of these together to reject the notion of putting our confidence in earthly powers, but urges us to put our trust in God as we praise Him.
Teaching
There are two kinds of power described in the psalm. One is the power of the created. The other is the power of the Creator. The psalmist urges us to not put our trust in the power of the created. We should not place our confidence or faith in people, government, leaders, or rulers. The created power only lasts for a while and eventually it will wear out and the one who wields the power will die.
Not so with the Creator’s power. Its limitlessness is expressed in creation, God’s justice and mercy, His salvation and care for the weak, and in His eternal reign. His power does not cease and will not disappoint in the end. We therefore praise Him and put our trust in the One who made us, has had mercy on us, saved us, and promises (and delivers) eternal blessings to us.
Life
In an election year candidates vying for nomination essentially ask people to put their trust in them (individually) and to make one of them our leader. Who is the best person for the job? Which one really knows what our country needs? How will they provide it? What will happen when they are elected, and then when their term is done?
God is not elected. His reign does not end. He truly knows what we need and displayed that by giving Jesus to rescue us from sin and death. He has lifted us up although we were bowed down under sin. He has upheld us in our weakness. Because of Who God is and what He has done we cry out, “Hallelujah!”
Prayer
We praise the Lord and do not put our trust in a person’s power. People die, their wisdom is limited, their ability to save is inadequate, and even their best plans perish. But not so with God. He is eternal and our Creator is mighty to save.
Thank You, Lord God, for helping us and giving us hope. Thank You for making us and also for rescuing us. Thank you for setting us free from the prison of sin and for lifting us up. Thank you for loving us and for watching over us in our weakness.
Forgive us for times when we have trusted the created powers more than we trusted in You. Forgive us for doubting that You are still living, active, and powerful to save and to reign in this world. Forgive us for not praising You and for delivering our praise to earthly people, powers, and programs.

Lord, let us praise You as long as we live. Move all people to praise You. Let the created powers know their proper place in relation to You. Keep helping people. Keep giving hope. Execute justice for the oppressed and give food to the hungry. Open the eyes of the blind so all may praise You in Christ. Amen. 

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