Asaph, the writer of this psalm was one of King David's music leaders. The message is similar to that of Isaiah and Micah- written 250 years later - "sacrifices are only an outward expression of inner faith and trust in God. What God desired most from Israel" - and still desires of us today - "is a heartfelt, personal, relationship with Him."
"The Lord has told you human what is good; He has told you what He wants from you; to do what is right to other people, love being kind to others, and live humbly obeying God." Micah 6:8 (CEV)
This psalm is a picture of a court of law, where the people of Israel are standing in judgement before God. They must be punished for their wrongdoing.Yet, we know that God is more than a judge - "He is a patient and loving God who continued to offer hope to the Israelites." This hope of forgiveness and grace is still offered to us today.
"The Lord says: "Come, let us talk about these things. Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though your sins are deep red, they can be as white like wool. If you become willing and obey me," Isaiah 1:18&19 (NIV)
In the final verses of this psalm we are introduced to God's salvation, which is received with the `thank offerings' - in David's day these were their `sacrifices of repentance'. We too have that offer of salvation, but our sacrifice has been for us through the death of God's son Jesus on the cross. All we need is to ACCEPT THAT OFFER!
"For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life, God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to SAVE the world through Him." John 3:16&17
"It is only by this sacrifice of Christ - the GREAT SACRIFICE, that we can be accepted by God."
Matthew Henry
IN GOD'S COURTS - Read Verses 1-5
We can read this passage in three eras: the past, the present and the future.
In the PAST - David's time - the Israelites were called into God's courts to give account for their behaviour. Did they honour and obey God as the one true God?
TODAY - God is still righteous, loving and just. He sent His son Jesus to die for us; but He still expects us to honour Him with our true worship and obedience.
Then, in the FUTURE - when Jesus returns, we will be expected to stand before His throne to give an account of our service for Him.
God's judgement may seem like a heavy burden to bear, but when we think about what comes with judgement - GOD'S GRACE. Max Lucado reminds us that "God's judgement has never been a problem for Him." God had a right to discipline and judge the Israelites, and He has the right to do the same to us, I mean we aren't exactly angels! Yet, if we think about it, there are so many more examples of God's grace - David, Peter, Zaccheaus, the thief on the cross. Story after story, of people who were recipients of God's forgiveness and grace. And what about in your own life? How many times has JUDGEMENT BEEN OVERCOME BY GOD'S GRACE!
"Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of His special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago." Micah 7:18-20 (NLT)
"In the past, we were foolish. We did not obey, we were wrong and we were slaves to many things our bodies wanted and enjoyed. We spent our lives doing evil and being jealous. People hated us and we hated each other. But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour was shown, He saved us because of His mercy. It was not of good deeds we did to be right with Him. He saved us, through the washing that made us new people through the Holy Spirit. God poured out richly His Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Being right with God by HIS GRACE, we would have the hope of receiving the life that never ends." TITUS 3:3 (CEV)
If you have these stories of GRACE in your life - the times when God has overlooked your errors, foibles and failures - the times you have fallen and God has lifted you up; are you now able to extend GRACE TO OTHERS? Maybe if you find it difficult, ask Him and God can do it, through you.
1. In what ways is our salvation an act of grace on God's part?
2. Have receive God's grace (love and mercy), why is it still difficult at times to show grace to other people?
3. Why is often easier to show judgement than grace?
4. To whom do you need to show grace this week?
OBEYING THE COMMANDMENTS - Read Psalm 50:7-21, Exodus 20:1-17
In these verses God talks about what we should do in obedience to Him. They are basically related to the 10 Commandments. Verses 17-15 talk about worshipping and honouring God.
But Samuel answered: "What pleases the Lord more: burnt offerings and sacrifices or obedience to His voice? It is better to obey than to sacrifice. It is better to listen to God than to offer the fat of sheep." 1 Samuel 15:22 (CEV)
The Israelites knew very early on that obedience to God's commandments were more important than sacrifices; but they continued in this practice.
In verse 16-21 the Psalmist refers to the last 6 commandments, related more to how we are to live our lives, We must not lie, steal, have sex out of marriage, or say bad things about other people.
The Ten Commandments were given to the Israelites for their good, and by rebelling against God and His laws, they were only hurting themselves. God gave them these laws because He loved them, and the same is true for us today - they are for our protection and to promote happiness, not to to restrict it. God wants only what is best for us, and if we look at His creation, we see a God who wants harmony and order.
"God loves us with an infinite love, but he cannot and will not approve of disorder, Consequently He laid down spiritual laws which if obeyed, bring harmony and fulfillment, but if disobeyed, bring discord and disorder." Billy Graham
"Let us thankfully accept God's mercy and endeavour to glorify Him in word and deed."
Matthew Henry
1. Take a look at the 10 Commandments as set out in Exodus 20:1-17. How could you change their wording so they are more positive? eg. "You should tell the truth."
2. How are these commandments still relevant today? If they were obeyed in our homes, in our communities, in our countries - how would things be a bit different? Thank God for the laws that promote peace and justice?
SALVATION - Read Psalm 50:22&23; Read Micah 6 & 7
In the final two verses of this Psalm we are reminded that God will keep us safe if we obey His commands, live the right way and give thanks to Him. Of course this is the Old Covenant. With the New Covenant and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have SALVATION THROUGH GRACE: repentance, forgiveness, belief and acceptance.
Micah was another man who knew that sacrifices were only an outward expression of inner faith. What God desired most of Israel, just as God does for us today, is to relate to Him in a heartfelt, personal way.
"As for me, I look to Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me....... For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light..... I will be patient as the Lord punishes me, for I have sinned against Him. But after that, He will take up my case, and give me justice for all I have suffered from my enemies. The Lord will bring me into the light and I will see His righteousness." Micah 7:7-9 (NLT)
Max Lucado reminds us that although symbols are important - communion, baptism - reminding us of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and our ultimate salvation - they do not `IMPART SALVATION'.
"Our God is abundant in love and steadfast in mercy. HE SAVES US, not because we trust in a symbol, but because we TRUST IN A SAVIOUR." Max Lucado.
1. What are you trusting to save you from your sins? The blood of Jesus and His sacrifice alone, or the a symbol or religious tradition?
2. There is a place for symbols and religious traditions. Study the scriptures and you will find their place, but make sure you trust Christ alone for you salvation.
CONCLUSION
So what is TRUE WORSHIP? What is TRUE SALVATION? Do they go together. Yes, when you accept Jesus as your Saviour you want nothing more than to honour Him by committing your life to Him. You want to accept His grace, you want to be obedient to His commandments - both old and new - and you want to give Him thanks and praise in all you do.
"So brothers and sisters, since God has shown His great mercy. I beg you to offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to Him. Your offering must only be for God and pleasing to Him,which is the spiritual way to worship." Romans 12:1
The Devotional Bible (New Century Version), 2003, Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson
Holy Bible - You Version (New International Version) & (New Living Translation).
www.easyenglish.info. `Judgement Begins in the House of God' - Gordon Churchyard
www.Christianity.com 'Matthew Henry Commentary'.
'How to Be Born Again' - Billy Graham
"Grip of Grace" - Max Lucado.
