Psalm – Psalm 48-50

We praise God and thank Him that last night we were able to hold the Katong Fellowship Home Evangelistic Gathering.  Quite a few truth seeking friends and relatives turned up and it was also a good time for members to gather and sing hymns, hear wonderful testimonies and be thankful that “Jesus is our Refuge”.

Bible Passage:  Psalm 48-50

Indeed – Psalm 48 is quite an apt Psalm to start off today for this is in praise of God who dwells in the city of our great King.

Where is God?  Why Me?

These were a couple of questions that came up last night during the Evangelistic gathering.  This is a common response when disasters or tribulations suddenly strike us.  But for the Jews back in the Old Testament, they understodd that the presence of God was centred at Jerusalem (Mount Zion).

Psalm 48 celebrates Zion – but even more the Lord who dwells in Zion.

When I read the first few verses of Psalm 48, I am suddenly reminded of a short chorus that we sang many years ago.  So naturally, I searched for it and after much difficulty, I found it.  Here it is for those who like me, go way back….

Familiar?  Yes, “Great is our God, and greatly to be praised!”

As I said earlier – although it seems that this Psalm started off in praising Zion – its real focus is not on the earthly city – but on the wonderful and glorious God Himself.  It is His presence that makes the city and brings it joy.  Therefore He deserves the praise of the inhabitants.

In the same way, it is not that the True Jesus Church is glorious or wonderful.  But that God has honoured us by choosing to dwell with us that makes us significant and brings us great joy.

And that is why we ought to praise God more!  That is why we should tell more people about the good news.

Psalm 48:14

For this is God,
Our God forever and ever;
He will be our guide
Even to death.

Read Psalm 48 again and see in what ways in which the Psalmist reminds us that “this is God”.  Leave a comment on what you have found.

Psalm 49 carries a universal truth that man often try to ignore but it cannot be ignored.  This was also brought up last night that death comes to everyone.

And this Psalm emphasized that the basic truth is that death awaits every person – rich or poor.  This sobering fact should affect how we choose to lead our lives.  And also how we prepare for the heavenly kingdom.

One of the things that we must watch out for in our walk of faith is found in Psalm 50.

After death comes judgement before the Righteous Judge – our God.

Psalm 50:4-6 reminds us that God will judge His people.  But when you read from verse 16 onwards, you realised that God was deeply against those who profess to be His followers but they were full of empty talk and pretense.  The Psalmist describes a scene where people are called to accountability for mouthing words without any real commitment to truth and righteouesness.

Have we examined our faith recently to see if we are like this?

We encouraged our brothers and sisters to obey the Word of God and yet, we ourselves fall far short of His standards.

We speak about love but once their backs are turned, our lips too turn from love to deceit and evil.

There are many examples that we can think of.  And may also be guilty of.

But the Psalmist encourages – if we order our conduct aright – we shall see the salvation of God (Psalm 50:23).