THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 9
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9)
In our world, the rich keep getting richer and the poor poorer.
The ‘little people’ bear the brunt of suffering, hardship, abuse, injustice.
But the God Israel believes in is the God of the underdog, the little people.
And He was NOT just Israel’s God, but the only God for the whole world.
And this God – the only God there is – stands with the oppressed.
It doesn’t take long listening to Jesus to see hear this message loud and clear.
In fact, the good news is God’s message of hope for the underdogs of the world!
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)
If this is what Jesus was anointed to do, how can His followers do any less?
Is the church (the community of Jesus followers) extending this good news message to the world today?
Is the church a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
History shows that this has not always been the case… how about now?
Who are the oppressed and needy around us that need to experience this good news?
God will never forget the needy (v.18), are we remembering them?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You have a special place in Your heart for the oppressed. May Your heart shape our hearts, so that we become known as good news people for those who really need it!
Heart and mouth.
These two are connected.
Just read the first 2 verses of the Psalm.
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
In all I do and say
what will the people evidence of me? My heart and voice must be one
one that praises my Maker Creator
for my God reigns.
Help me daily to proclaim that truth
God is the Ruler also today
for all who trust in His name.
How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him
Who brings good news, good news;
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness:
Our God reigns, our God reigns!
Refrain
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
He had no stately form, He had no majesty
That we should be drawn to Him.
He was despised and we took no account of Him.
Our God reigns, our God reigns!
Refrain
It was our sin and guilt that bruised and wounded Him.
It was our sin that brought Him down.
When we like sheep had gone astray our Shepherd came
And on His shoulders bore our shame.
Refrain
Meek as a lamb that’s led out to the slaughterhouse,
Dumb as a sheep before its shearer,
His life ran down upon the ground like pouring rain
That we might be born again.
Refrain
Out from the tomb He came with grace and majesty;
He is alive, He is alive.
God loves us so, see here His hands, His feet, His side
Yes we know, He is alive.