May 26 Sermon: The Lord Reigns

Join us as we explore Psalm 9 and discover how God is our ultimate refuge in the storms of life. We delve into God's righteous judgment, His protection for the oppressed, and the importance of remembering His mighty works. Be encouraged to trust in God's unwavering faithfulness and find strength in His unshakeable stronghold.

Consider these questions as you listen to this message on Psalm 9:

1. How does understanding God as a righteous judge influence your perspective on justice and mercy in today's world?

2. In what ways have you experienced God as a refuge during difficult times, and how has that strengthened your faith?

3. How can we as a church community more effectively proclaim and remember God's marvelous deeds in our daily lives and interactions with others?

Transcript:

The news the past several weeks has been filled with stories of extreme weather. Now, the videos and images that we see can cause us to feel empathy for those affected, and it can cause us to be very thankful that we were not affected by it. And there are many in our congregation and in our community who have been deeply affected by events like this in the past, and with this comes a heightened sense of fear about this stuff. And part of the reason for this is because these type of things are not only unpredictable, but these type of things do not discriminate. It can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone. Now, whether you've been personally affected by a storm or not, when you know that bad weather is coming, you're going to try to find a place to be safe. The better your refuge, the more confidence you have of the safety that you have when the winds and the rains beat against that place where you've chosen to flee for safety. Now, in my years of doing youth ministry, many years ago, I experienced some very interesting shelters between camps and music festivals.

50-year-old cabins that are barely watertight are not my favorite shelter during a strong storm warning, just so you know. I am also not a fan of having to jam 10 to 12 people into the back of my minivan in the middle of a campground because we have no other place to go. Those are very vivid memories. When we come into contact with students who were there, it almost always... This comes up in conversation because it's memorable.

Now, I have a much better situation living here. If there's a storm warning, we walk across the driveway and we go down to this room over here where the safe is. We get wet on the way, but once we're here and we shut the doors, we can't even hear the rain and barely hear the thunder outside. It is that safe. It's substantially secure. I feel completely different. Way different. Way different than a minivan shaking in the middle of a campground or a creaking cabin with a questionable foundation. And like I said before, the storms that we experience, we don't know when they're coming. When I think back to many of these events that I'm describing to you from youth ministry, it didn't matter how dry it was. It stormed like the world was coming. It stormed like the world was coming to an end when we were at summer camp. We didn't think it was coming, but it came. The storms will eventually come. And the same is true of our lives, right? No matter how good things are, we know that the storms of life are coming. And if I lined up a few different options for you to choose from, if a storm was coming, you are going to choose a stewardy, underground shelter over a tent every last time, right? It doesn't matter how severe the storm warning is, you're not going to choose something that's weak. It doesn't matter how bad the storm is, you're going to run to the strongest shelter every last time when you need it. And as we come to the ninth chapter of the Psalter this morning, we see a familiar image. We see a familiar imagery of who God is, that he is our refuge, that he is our stronghold. And when we think of the storms that we face in our lives, we know that he is the strong shelter. He is the refuge that we are to go to because he is the shelter. He is the stronghold that does not and will not fail. So let's line out our three points. For this morning, and then we'll dig into this passage from Psalm 9 today. So the first thing that we are going to see is that we will see the psalmist telling us about the righteous judgment of God. God is righteous. He is the Holy One. And so he stands in judgment over the wicked. Second, we see that God is the refuge for the oppressed. Though the wicked might bring persecution, and injustice on the people of God, he is still the shelter of his people. And finally, when we see this, we remember that he has done great works for us. He cares for his people. And because of this, we declare his faithfulness. So let's, with those ideas set out to guide us, let's look at how this psalm kicks off today. So, we start out here with the statement that we would expect to find in the psalms. David expresses his thanks to the Lord with his whole heart. That is just a psalm-sounding expression, right? But once again, it's important that we think about and remember here this word LORD. In all caps, it's more than just a title that he is the Lord. It is that he is Yahweh. Yahweh. David is not thanking and speaking about a random deity that he thinks is out there somewhere blessing him in some way. And so, hey, random deity, here's some thanks for me to offer you. No, he is giving thanks to Yahweh, the God who has revealed himself to his people. And he's not just revealed that he is, he has revealed himself in such a way that he gives these people his personal name. This is a personal God. He is the God who speaks. And this is why David is giving thanks, because he knows he serves a God who does these things. He blesses him. The wonderful deeds that he recounts are not chance happenings that have benefited him. No, these are deeds that have come to him because he is blessed by the God of his fathers, and the God who has made a promise to him as well. And he trusts that this God will keep those promises. And this is the result of a confident understanding of who God is. David knows who this God is. And he knows what he has done. And this leads David to exalt in God. It leads him to a place of praise. It's important that we always come back, to this idea here, that God is most assuredly worthy of praise, because he's powerful, because he's mighty, because we can't understand him, he's incomprehensible, immortal, invisible, God all is wise. It's important that we praise him for those reasons. But that is not the only reason that we praise him. We praise him for his marvelous deeds. Because he defends his people. He saves his people. He is not a God who is distant. He is not a God who leaves us to chance. He is a God who is near and active for his people. He is different. He is distinct. He is other. Remember, the gods of the neighbors of the Hebrew people are silent. But they serve the God who speaks. That's an important theme throughout. The Old Testament. Yahweh has revealed himself and he speaks. And all the other gods are silent because they don't exist. They cannot speak. And who does God speak to? He speaks to his people. And he's revealed to them that he is their great rescuer. And so they praise him for what he has done. For his marvelous deeds. And we see this idea of God's righteous judgment. As we move further down the passage. We see that those who oppose the people of God turn back because they stand against the mighty one of Israel. This is a statement of expectation from David here. Notice it isn't when my enemies turned back. This isn't in the past tense. David believes this is something that the righteous God he serves will do. They will stumble. They will perish. Before God. They can't stand before him. Well why is this? It's because the cause of the king of Israel is a just cause. These enemies that David is up against here. They are not just opposing Israel. They are not just opposing David. They are opposing the will of God. They are opposing the righteous one. And what he does. He is righteous. He sits on his throne. And what does he do there? He rebukes the nations. The nations. It's really substantial.

It's really important that we understand how substantial this idea is here. He sits on a throne. And he rebukes the nation. The people stand against him. But he sits in authority against the nations. He isn't one of many regional gods. Who only has authority over this particular group of people. Who carve images of him and bow down before them.

Yahweh is the God over all the nations. And he sits in authority over them. He is Yahweh. He is over all the earth. Not just Israel. And notice the psalmist isn't just saying he made everything. But now he's our God and not yours. It's not what he's saying. He makes it clear that God is king over all the earth. Because he rebukes the nations. He has authority over all nations. Authority over it all. In a polytheistic society. That is not only a bold statement for the psalmist to make. It's a unique one.

And because they are enemies of Israel. These people who are rebelling against God. Are under judgment. He stands in no way. Do they have any authority over him? He is over them. And what is he going to do? He is going to punish wickedness. And we read here that he blots them out. That's a strong statement. That's a harsh statement. But it makes it clear that God is holy. And that he punishes wickedness. And the consequences of this are severe. David says he blots them out. He blots out their name forever. And ever. The price for being in rebellion against the holy one of Israel. Is not a slap on the wrist. It is serious. And should be taken seriously. Because as we see in verse 6. There are some details. They come to ruin. Their cities are rooted out. Their memory has perished. And as the psalm continues. We see a contrast between God. And those that he has brought judgment upon. You see they are blotted out. But Yahweh sits enthroned forever. Now this is poetic contrast here. And it's building up this idea. Of us understanding God. As a righteous judge. His throne is established. Not just a place for him to sit. And look out on everybody. And to look good. And to be in a position of honor. His throne is established. Because he is over all the earth. For justice. To do justice. His actions are not capricious. And haphazard. He acts in history. To do justice. And to judge the world. In righteousness and uprightness. It is his righteous law. That is the standard for it. Is good and what is upright. You see the people are not judged unfairly. The law of God is written on our hearts. We know this. Scripture lets us know. That we are without excuse. Because God has made himself known. In what he has made. And as a point of application for us today. We need to remember. That this is difficult to hear. But it is actually good news for us. Well no one wants to be punished. For their sin. We also don't want to live in a world. Where God does not judge the wicked. Do we? As harsh as judgment is. We need the knowledge. That the wickedness that is done. Is punished. But at the same time. We struggle with the truth. That we are sinners. That we have been the oppressor. That we have acted. In wickedness. And this is why we seek Jesus. As our refuge. Because he has taken on the punishment. For our rebellion against God. And he gives us confidence. That we will not receive. The justice that we deserve. For our sin. Because Jesus has taken our punishment. And so we go to him. Because he is our shelter. And our refuge. He has taken on the storm for us. And we see Yahweh described here. As this stronghold. That we are talking about. As we move into the next verse. And see our second point for today. We see here. That David understands. What I was talking about. When I started out this morning. When you are facing danger. You go to the greatest stronghold. That you can find. He says that God is a stronghold. For the oppressed. Whatever the circumstances. That David was facing here. He is committed. To being faithful. To the one who is enthroned forever. He could choose to retaliate. In wickedness himself. Against those who are oppressing him. He would be no better than them. And he would risk the same fate. That they deserve. Instead he desires to be found faithful. To the one who is forever. The wicked. Are like a pup tent in a tornado. But Yahweh is a fortress. That cannot be moved. This is where the people of God. Put their trust. This is where they go. And look at what it says here. In verse 10. This shows us. The importance of the name of God. That he has revealed. Himself to his people. They know him by name. And they put their trust in him. Why? Because he has shown himself. To be the faithful one. God has made promises to his people. And he keeps them. And when his people seek him. They are not forsaken. And David points to something. Really important here. God does not change. He is enthroned forever. And because of this. He is a stronghold. There is nothing. More disappointing. Than something that makes big promises. But then it can't deliver. And I think all humans. Are subject to being vulnerable. To the idea of. Some sort of magic bullet. Some sort of easy solution. We see an advertisement. And it's like. The people making the advertisement. See us a million miles away. Right? A great promise is made. And it's supposed to make our life easier. And it even comes with a money back guarantee. They always come with a money back guarantee. And there is no way. They would make that promise. If it can't be the great. If it isn't the greatest thing. In the whole wide world. They wouldn't say a money back guarantee. If this wasn't going to do everything that it promised. Well sometimes we. Order that item. And it's delivered. And it's a lot smaller than it looked on TV. And it's a different color too.

Sure it kind of does. What it promised to do. But it's not as easy as they said. It's actually kind of a hassle to use. And instead of being a miracle solution. You never really use it. And it ends up in the trash. Or eventually ends up in that junk closet. In the basement.

Well God makes promises. But he keeps them. He promises. That he will never leave us or forsake us. He promises that by grace through faith. That we receive forgiveness of sins and salvation. All the way back at the fall. He promised that he would bring a savior. And despite all the odds. Jesus came. And in the complete fulfillment of the promises of God. To his people. He saved us. When Yahweh calls you by name. And reveals himself to you. He does not forsake you. That is a promise that you can take. All the way into eternity. That is a foundation for peace. And for security. That is a fortress. That the world cannot overcome. That is a stronghold. That cannot and will not be moved. When you face difficulties in this life. Know that your God is the refuge of the oppressed. And he will never let you go. His promises. And he will never let you go. Are always fulfilled. And that is a true guarantee. And because. We can see this truth in scripture. And because we can witness to it in our lives. This brings us. To the rest of the passage for today. And our final and third point. That this is why. We bring him our thanks and praise. The Psalmist. Calls the people of God to praise Yahweh. For he is enthroned in Zion. He is on his throne. And he is ruling over the world. And protecting his people.

He keeps his promises. It is what he does. And so we are called to be his heralds. Of this work. That he has done for his people. And I think. We often lose track. Of how significant. The worship of God is. When it comes to this. We get in the rhythm of coming here. And we sort of show up. On autopilot at times. But ultimately. What we are gathering. As the people of God. In this place. Is a proclamation to the world. Of his saving work. If God had not rescued us. From sin, death and hell. There would be no reason. For us to roll out of the rack. On a Sunday morning. And come here. Our praise says. Something about who we are. As a people. Our praising God. For who he is. And what he has done. Tells the world about his deeds. That he is worthy of praise. We change the rhythm of our lives. We get out of bed. And we declare who God is. Because he is worthy of it. Because he has saved us. And our praise says something. So significant. About who we are. We are the people of God.

When we are asked why we are getting out of bed on Sunday. And coming together with this group of people. Our response should be. Like that of David in this Psalm. We are telling of the wondrous. Deeds of the Lord. Why wouldn't I go? Why wouldn't I proclaim his praise? I am speaking of the God. Who has revealed his name to us. And how he has saved me. From sin, death, hell and the devil. We come together to tell. Of the wondrous deeds of the Lord. We rejoice. In the fact. That we have received salvation. From this one who has saved us. And as we praise God. We are acknowledging something very important. About who he is. And I want to jump to the final two verses. As we close up today. As we pray. And as we praise God. We acknowledge. That he is the sovereign. Righteous judge. He is the stronghold of the oppressed. He has a plan. He is so much better. Than the ways of man. It is better that God judge the nations. Than humans. Because we know how that turns out.

Our praising God. For keeping his promises. Is us remembering. That we need to put our trust in him. Because he will do right. As the judge of all the earth. When we praise God. We are not praising ourselves. Or other men. Instead we are declaring to the world. That our stronghold is so much better. Than all the schemes of man. We are fallen creatures. And we are finite. And yet. We are prone to think that our way. Is the best way. That the world would be best. If we were the righteous judge. But as I said. We know how that goes. That is why we study history. Because we have seen how that turns out. It isn't good.

May our worship then. Be a continual statement to ourselves. And to the world of God's wisdom. His righteousness. And his faithfulness. May that be a witness to a lost and dying world. May we daily turn to his word. For wisdom. And may we forsake our selfish desires.

And may we never forget. That the reason we do this. Is because he is our stronghold. When the storms of the world come. He is our shelter. Any human being. Any human plan. Is going to blow away like a leaf in the wind. But God is righteous. And he is everlasting. He cannot be moved. When the difficulties of our lives. Come like a storm. May we flee to him. For we know. That because we are united to Christ. We shall never be moved. Because we are united to the one. Who cannot be moved. Though the world shakes. Our God is unshakable. While the opinions of men. Move with the tides. Yahweh is immovable. With the psalmist. May we continually. Recount the deeds of the Lord. And may we find. Our refuge in him. Because he is our shelter. Amen. Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God. We thank you for the imagery. That the psalmist uses here. This idea of you being a stronghold. Because we can so easily. Understand it. We have all stood in places. That shake and move. And we have felt unsettled.

And we pray oh Lord. That through your word and spirit. When those times come. We would flee to your shelter. To your fortress. Because we know that is who you are. And Lord. Because you have saved us. Because you have rescued us.

And we abundantly tell of your deeds. That others might hear. And find refuge in you as well. In the name of Jesus that we pray. Amen. We continue our worship now.