Psalm 107: 1-3: 17-22 …
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In our Scripture for Sunday, this psalm opens with a instruction to the people to give thanks to God. God, in His steadfast love and goodness, has redeemed them from the hand of the oppressor and gathered them “from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south” (verse 3) — from all points of the compass, everyone from everywhere. {{more: continue …}}
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In verses 17-22, the focus is on the story of those redeemed “from the north.” The verses speak of ones who were “sick because of their sinful ways, who because of their iniquities endured affliction.” The word translated “sick” in the New Revised Standard Version actually means “foolish ones.” The people of the ancient Near East associated sickness with foolishness or sin.
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We may never find ourselves literally wandering in a desert wasteland (Psalm 107:4-9), forced to dwell in a place of deep darkness (Psalm 107:10-16), sick to the point of death (Psalm 107:17-22), caught in a tumultuous storm at sea (Psalm 107:23-32), or confronted by poisonous creatures who threaten our lives (Numbers 21:6), but each one of us have faced or will face those times when we need desperately the redeeming hand of God. When we feel broken and lost, when we feel like we can’t go on, when we feel we’ve done all we can do, we need to know we can call on the Lord.?
Psalm 107 gives us insight into how to handle those times. First we must recognize the situation you are in; cry out to God and tell God what you need; He will hear your call. Secondly, accept the deliverance that God brings. Third, give praise and thanks to God for what He has done, what He is doing and what He will do on your behalf. And finally, remember that God, in His power and strength, can provide a “habitable” place for us and allow us to live the good life that God has given to us.
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But what about others? What about those who wander in the wilderness and are sick to the point of death through no fault of their own? What about those who are battered by the storms of life? We must pray for them and encourage them. We must never forget that those of us who have resources and strength are called to be the arms and legs, the hands and feet, the voice of God in this world. God will redeem everyone from everywhere. Remember that the redemption of God often takes human form. After all, isn’t that what Lent is all about?
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“I don’t know how, but I know WHO!”?See you on Sunday!.
?Peace,Pastor Nelda?Find out more about FUMC @ First United Methodist Church Facebook ?
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