Psalm 50
Dear RTB’ers,
God addressing the Israelis – first His people (vv. 7-15), then the wicked (vv. 16-22). To His people He talks of their sacrifices. Although not rejecting those sacrifices, He seems to be suggesting that their hearts may not be right, but that their devotion to Him would be more important to Him than their physical sacrifices (God speaking): Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. (vv. 14-15)
Then to the wicked His focus is on their speech (again, God speaking): What right have you to recite My statutes or take My covenant on your lips? You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. (vv. 16b, 19-20) I posted yesterday that I did not readily consider myself one of the “fools” (or the “foolish”) to whom God was speaking – then quickly reasoned how foolish I truly am. Today, however, again I quickly denied my association with the wicked – I do not condone thievery or adultery (Ps. 50:18). But with God’s focus on the speech of the wicked, I am right there again! The tongue…!! At this point it’s worth reading James 3:1-12.
I particularly like one of God’s closing lines to the wicked: …you thought that I was one like yourself. (v. 21b) It sounds almost like God is being sarcastic, but I think there is a lot of truth in that line, that we all too often “humanize” God, make Him like us, in His behaviors and in His decisions. In Freedom Road we often have to remind ourselves that “God is God and I am not”. Thankfully, He is not like me!
Finally, I have often lightheartedly cited verse 10, suggesting no shortage of wealth in my family, but that, in fact, “My Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” Truly, I am quite wealthy!!
Blessings!
See also: