“Seeing” is sometimes a choice we make. This is especially true when it comes to seeing the mighty acts of God as our support day by day.
C.S. Lewis talks about stepping into a beam of light that is penetrating a potter’s shed and looking along that beam to its source. Often, we too have to take such conscious steps to change our perspective in order to see God at work. It is easy to see our own accomplishments and the steps we have taken in our lives—but this Psalm invites us to look at things differently—to see the wondrous works of the Lord to not only draw His people together but to protect as well. To see the Lord in every aspect of our lives—day in and day out how the Lord is with us, helping us, and making His love and presence known to us.
When we rely on our own works it can be easy to be filled with pride that falsely encourages us to trust in ourselves rather than the Lord.
What is it that helps us to change our perspective like the psalmists to see the mighty acts of God at work on our world and in our lives? Our psalm today suggests to us that our eyes can be opened when we listen to the testimony of past generations and allow that witness to shape and direct our vision.
Hebrews 12:1 tells that that we have a “great cloud of witnesses.” Perhaps you can remember and recall those of the past in your life that shared insight into the works of God that helped you to grow in your faith. Perhaps you today as parents, grandparents, friends, are sharing with others how the Lord has worked in your life? Sharing words of encouragement to help others grow in their walks with the Lord and to see how He is working in their lives.
The Old Testament narrative as a whole, and especially the Psalms, provide for us examples of common human beings confronted by the extraordinary presence of God in their lives. It is important for us to draw on these examples so that we too can be emboldened to see God at work in our own lives.
In Psalm 48 we read of the praise of Zion (or Jerusalem) as the place where God dwells.
“No city in human history as been conquered more times than Jerusalem. But Psalm 48 begins by telling us that the One who holds the true title, it is the “city of our God.” Jerusalem became the capital for Israel and Judah during the time of David and his descendants. This psalm, written during that kingdom period, reflects upon the epics of trouble and battle when formidable enemies had threatened the city. Today this psalm will not hold personal value if we apply it only to the city of Jerusalem. Why? Jesus did not come to inhabit a city, but people. Jerusalem is very special to Him, but even more so, are we, the people of God.
We need to understand that what God began in the OT He will complete in the New Testament at the end of the ages. (You can read about that in Revelation 22.)
But what is it about this particular psalm, from a Christian frame of reference, is important to us? Zion stands as a type of the Church, the “city of God”. Listen to Hebrews 12:18-24: 18 For you have not come to what could be touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, and storm, 19 to the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of words. Those who heard it begged that not another word be spoken to them, 20 for they could not bear what was commanded: If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.[a] 21 The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am trembling with fear.[b] 22 Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels, a festive gathering, 23 to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written[c] in heaven, to a Judge, who is God of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel.
What is said about Zion as the site of Israel’s Temple, is true to the spiritual temple which is the Church universal.
The general theme is the loving-kindness and care of God for His Church.
Ephesians 2:19-22--19 So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.
1 Peter 2:5-9--5 you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood[a] to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and honored[b] cornerstone, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.[c] 7 So honor will come to you who believe; but for the unbelieving, The stone that the builders rejected—this one has become the cornerstone,[d] 8 and A stone to stumble over, and a rock to trip over.[e] They stumble because they disobey the word; they were destined for this. 9 But you are a chosen race,[f][g] a royal priesthood,[h] a holy nation,[i] a people for his possession.
With these thoughts in mind, let us look at this psalm from the aspect of Christ dwelling in us.
CHRIST IN YOU:
1. Vv. 1-3—Great is the Lord…in the city of our God…and most worthy of praise.
a. God in me—is worthy of praise—He is great!
b. We need to let God be great in us.
i. Instead of saying great are my trials, difficulties, burdens, or needs, why who reverse the focus? Great is my God, great is Jesus’ love for me, great are His provisions, great is His forgiveness, and great is the future He has planned for me.
ii. We need to let our mouths confess His greatness in our lives.
iii. Vs. 3—God is in me—and He has shown Himself to be my fortress!
CHRIST YOUR DELIVERER:
1. VV. 3B-8
a. Both the city of God and the people of God endure difficult times. This psalm reminds us that as God was “in the city” He is in me during times of trouble or peace. I must fight the temptation. When difficulty surrounds me, to forget where I am—that I am located in Christ, a lofty and secure place.
b. Ephesians 1:3—blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.
c. 1 Corinthians 15:57--57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
d. Romans 8:37 tells us that we are more than conquerors through Christ.
e. Despite the many battles, God delivered Israel from their enemy’s time and time again. So, what would we consider as our enemies today—Satan, death, disease, adversity from the outside, inside such things as depression, fear, sin, etc.
FAITH BUILDING ACTIONS OF THE PSALMIST:
a. In the face of adversity etc. what did the psalmist do to build up his faith?? He took time to worship—verse 9.
b. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 reminds us that we are God’s temple, His spirit lives in each of us.
c. What is the psalmist meditating on? God’s unfailing love. How often do we take the time throughout our days to contemplate on the Lord’s amazing love for each of us?
d. Romans 5 tells us that the Holy Spirit has poured God’s love into us!
2. The psalmist took time to walk around the city—vv12-14.
a. In walking around the city wall, the psalmist marveled at the defenses, towers and citadels. These had been past sights of success against their enemies. The story of what God did in those places needs to be told to the next generations.
b. How has God met you? It is important for each of us to sometimes take a memory walk through our lives and to remember those places where God met you, where the Holy Spirit spoke to and ministered to you. Where are those places where you sensed the sweet presence of the Lord with you? Who are you sharing these memories with?
GOD’S COMMITMENT TO US:
1. Vs 14 tells us that He will be our guide, even to the end. It says he will “always” lead us! Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit who would come and would be our comforter and our guide. The tying together of Old Testament truth and New Testament truth lets us realize that the same God that the psalmist writes of is the same God who walks with us today. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
2. The Lord is committed to us! We are His prized possession, His Church, the joy of His heart and the very purpose for living is in Him!
3. Jesus says in Hebrews 13, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” So we can fully say today, “the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me.”
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