This is the second in a series of sermons in Lent dealing with music in worship. The title in the series is "When in our Music God is glorified" I will be using the Psalms in my sermons. Inviting the congregation to read psalms, and/or the hymnal in preparation for each week. Last week' using the title, "When in Our Music God Forgives Us, " for Psalms 32, we talked about the deep sense of comfort that comes from realizing God's forgiving spirit that the psalmist encountered. I closed the sermon with the story of Rev. John Newton, his ministry and the writing of "Amazing Grace." This Sunday, I will be looking at Psalm 121: "When in our Music, God is known, taken from the second part of verse 1, "where does my help comes?" Knowing the one who made heaven and earith, who is always present. God watches over the people, no harm comes. It is suggested that a worshipper, would be leaving Jerusalem, heading home after sacrificing to God, and would see the mountains and hills all around and declare the essence of faith. The hymns that are familiar to us. I'm thinking of "Through it all", "Precious Lord take my hand", etc. The anthem which I'm sure the choir will sing, (I sing with them, and because of my love for music, this helps in the service and the delivery of the sermon), that anthem will be, "He watching over Israel, Slumbers not nor sleeps," from the oratorio, Elijah. I recognize that this statement by the psalmist is a declaration of the difference between the other gods and Yahweh. My recent faith journey has made me reluctant to do comparisons with other beliefs. However, I do recognize God as the one who is always available. It is hard to develop Psalm sermon material on this site, because all of us choose to exegete (or eisegete) the Gospel, hardly any comments are made concerning the Psalms.
Shalom
Pasthersyl
Pasthersyl,
What a fabulous idea for a sermon series! I, too, love music, and love that song, "When in Our Music God Is Glorified"! I am fascinated! I hope you *will* keep posting to this site, even though not much discussion of the psalms happens, b/c I'm interested to know where you go in the rest of the weeks of Lent!
AugieAlum
The psalmist is looking at the high places around Jerusalem. This is where the people worshipped false gods. In effect the psalmist looks at the hills where people are worshipping idols and says, "my help doesn't come from these hills, these idols, my help comes from the Lord."
It's a contrast between idolatry and true worship. As well, what help have these statues etc. ever given...the psalmist rejoices in a God who acts in his own immediate history and circumstance.
Pasthersyl, neat idea! God bless you.
John near Pitts.
I thought that I wrote the sermon title in the bulletin as "I will lift my eyes" what really got printed is the more God-focused title "Lift my Eyes". I want to imagine Abram looking up from grief and hopelessness to follow God. I'd like to play with the idea that from the 'valley of the shadow of death', from our Lenten disciplines, from the garden at Gethsemene we all look up to the hills and see the cross.
Who was the contributor who saw us looking up at the hills and seeing the cross? Do you see that as essential to our growth in faith?
Shalom
Pasthersyl
Hymn to Psalm 121. Common Metre
I’ll lift my eyes up to the hills, From where will my hope rise? God who made those hills and hea’en and earth Will surely hear my cries.
He will not let your footsteps slip, His love for you is deep. The one who watches over you, Will ne’er be found asleep.
The Lord is there right by your side, He shields you from the sun, There’s nothing in this universe That he can’t overcome.
The Lord protects you night and day, Your life is in his hands, Your every move is in his sight, Your future in his plans.
Hope this original can be helpful. Peter Oliver
Peter, Is this copywrited? I will share it with the congregation on Sunday, and with our Musician. The choir will also be singing the gospel song by "Total Praise", by Richard Smallwood, because it begins with "Lord I will lift mind eyes to the hills" I thank you so-o-o much for sharing your gift
Shalom
Pasthersyl