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Psalms 39: 1 – 13 “To speak, or not to speak, that is the question”

by fol CHURCH on August 05, 2019

The Book of Psalms is divided into 5 major sections:

Section 1 (Psalm 1 to 41) refers to the Passover, Israel's beginning and the start of the God's plan of salvation that centres around Christ.  Section 2 (42 to 72) sings about a unified Israel in the land and pictures the creation of the Church.  Section 3 (73 to 89) bemoans the destruction of both God's Temple and Jerusalem. This section also hints at prophecies regarding the End Time.  Section 4 (90 to 106) rejoices over the 1,000 year reign of Jesus and shows Israel gathered again. And Section 5 (107 to 150) pictures a time when Israel shall again be delivered.

Today’s Psalm towards the end of section 1, is unusual in that it echoes thoughts from the book of Job. David reflects that if God is not going to listen, then he should simply ‘leave him alone’ (v12-13).  The whole Psalm is a lament, and where most Psalms speak boldly against enemies, here David is determined to be silent.

My focus for today is guided by the words of Isaiah 53.7 ‘He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth’.  And also Jesus’ fulfilment of this in Mk 14: 53 – 61.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus never spoke up against His accusers?  The words of John the Baptist just before Jesus began His ministry: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” As shocking as it appears, Jesus was silent so that they would crucify Him. He came into this world so that He would be our substitute and saviour. Any kind of defence would have prevented the crucifixion and hence would have prevented our salvation. So Jesus silently went through the trials, beatings, scourging and crucifixion so that He would fulfil Old Testament prophecies and be the Passover lamb that would save and redeem all of humanity.

James 1:19-20: ‘My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

 

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Father, I thank you that Jesus remained silent so that your plans for my redemption could be fulfilled.  I ask your forgiveness for the times  I have spoken out when I should have remained silent, and also for times when I have remained silent and should have spoken out.

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