Seeing Jesus in the Psalms

  Psalm 126 A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. 1 When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! 2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” 3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! 4 Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. 5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. 6 They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. A bit about weeping I’m a bit of a cry baby. If you have watched a movie with me, an episode of the Chosen, or stood near me in church during a song service, you may have seen me weeping. I am moved when I think of what God has done, and I weep when I realise what I hope God will yet do. Psalms 126 is a song expressing a expansive breadth of emotion. I believe it is healthy to express emotion and even to aid its expression. Much has been said in Christian writi...

  Psalm 64 This morning my thoughts are on the cross of Jesus Christ. Crucifixion is horrid. But today and for two millennia is the cross of Jesus Christ something wonderful. How did such a heinous method of capital punishment and public intimidation become a symbol of salvation and peace? If you understand the answer to that question, then you will have some understanding as to why verse 9 of Psalm 64 makes sense.  Then everyone will be afraid; they will proclaim the mighty acts of God and realize all the amazing things he does. God speaks into the void and creates. God hovers over the chaos and prepares the wonder of creation. Out of nothing, something appears; God breathes into dust, and humankind is born. This is God’s way of showing His greatness. God is the master of value added production. In fact, God loves to turn around things that look impossible. What then is the act of God that in verse 9 makes people afraid, proclaims mighty acts and causes realisation of His ama...