As we prepare for Easter, remembering the events of Holy Week, it seems fitting that we start out with a study of Psalm 103. This is the epitome of the praise Psalms. You can read it on my favorite online tool, Bible Gateway. Before you click on the link, though, think about the most wonderful, marvelous thing that has ever happened to you. Then compare that to the gift of grace and salvation. How does your experience measure up to God's gift to us?
The Psalmist begins and ends the Psalm with praise and blessing of God. The filling in this praise sandwich tells us just how God saves us, the five (or in some versions six) steps in salvation - forgiving, healing, redeeming, crowning with mercy, satisfying your desires. The actions of God are followed by a description of God that seems to me totally NOT Old Testament. The image is of a loving, forgiving, patient, generous God. Creator of all, Lord of all, Redeemer of all who love him.
So, is this the God that the people saw when they laid down the palms for Jesus? They were expecting a military leader, one who wold overthrow the kingdoms of this world and make their lives better. When he turned out to not be what they expected, they turned on him. I could see them offering up this Psalm on one day, and then cursing him the next. How intolerant and fickle we can be!
If I am honest, I feel guilty when I think about that. I get angry when I don't get the answer I want to my prayers, or when I don't feel any answer at all. I try to remember to be thankful, praise-ful, give up my need for control even though it is really, really difficult. But, I hope like you, I am not perfect. I am not always successful. The good news, and the Psalmist reminds me, is that God is forgiving. God will heal my hurts, in mercy Jesus redeems my soul, and the desires of my soul that are good for my soul will be satisfied. Yours, too.
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