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the  Preachers  blog

Blogs are posted every Wednesday, except in July and August

Blog on Psalm 70 - Rev. Kim Salo

6/13/2022

 
“O God make speed to save us, O Lord make haste to help us.”

Observe: This Psalm is the same as the last stanza sentences of Psalm 40.  The first and last sentences are urgent pleas for help. David pleads with God to make haste, come quickly, do not delay. His enemies who are out to get his life, to ruin him. He asks God to turn on them the things they want to do to David.

Interpret: David was betrayed by various enemies. He wants revenge, and so asks God to bring shame, confusion, and disgrace. He also asks that those who seek God may rejoice and praise God. And he ends with another plea for speedy help from the Lord. These are the normal reactions of someone being hounded by enemies, who wants help right now, and who sees the faithful as his allies.
 
As with all the Psalms that seek retribution on enemies, the key is that the desire for vengeance is acted upon by taking it to God. In other words, take your deepest feelings and desires, and rather than “acting out,” bring them to the Lord. This is a healthy (and non-destructive) way to deal with anger, rejection, and so forth. By the same token, our feelings of gratitude and rejoicing find their true home when directed to God.   

Application: Everyone has to deal with anger, feelings of revenge, or rejection. Acting them out is either self-destructive or destroys others. Taking those emotions and desires to God, especially if we are reacting to a real situation in our lives, is an act of faith and obedience. Faith that God can deal with whatever and whoever is out to get us (“those who say to me ‘Aha! Aha!’). Obedience to Jesus’ command not to judge, and thus condemn others, overrides our desires.
 
Romans 12:17-21 is the clearest statement in the New Testament of how to turn the desire for retribution into love in action. This is what God did in Christ on the cross. Jesus has once and for all taken our human judgments on himself.

We look to God to be our Judge and Defender. Our prayers can include our need to be defended, as well as funneling our desire for vengeance towards God the final judge.

The Book of Common Prayer uses the double petition of verse 1, “O God make speed to save us, O Lord make haste to help us,” in both Morning and Evening Prayers. 

Prayer: O God, who at the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom: Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” Collect for Peace, Morning Prayer, BCP 

Song: “When peace like a river,” (It is well with my soul)

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St Aidan’s Anglican Church
274 Campbell Street | Winnipeg, MB R3N 1B5
Phone: 204.489.3390 Email: [email protected]
  • Home
  • Worship Online
  • The Preachers Blog
  • Bible in a Year
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Prayer Requests
  • Request Pastoral Care
  • Youth
  • Give
  • Statement of Faith
  • Video Archive
    • 2025 Videos
    • 2024 Videos
    • Real Lives
    • 2023 Videos
    • 2022 Videos
    • 2021 Videos
    • 2020 Videos
  • Sermon Audio Archive
    • 2020 Sermons
    • 2019 Sermons
    • 2019 Sermon Series >
      • Gospel Centered Eternities November 2019
      • The Real Joy of Easter - Holy Week 2019
    • 2018 Sermons
    • 2018 Sermon Series >
      • Gospel Centred Church Spring 2018
      • A Gospel Shaped Church Fall 2018
    • 2017 Sermon Series >
      • The Servant King Christmas 2016
      • The Saviour King Lent 2017
      • The Victorious King Holy Week 2017
      • The Living King Easter 2017
      • The Brother King Fall 2017
      • Worship the King Advent 2017
    • 2016 Sermon Series >
      • Real Obedience Lent 2016
      • Unity of the Church
      • The Servant King Christmas 2016
    • 2015 Sermon Series >
      • Real Gifts 2015
      • Real Mission 2015
      • Mission Discerned
    • 2014 Sermon Series >
      • Real Church 2014
      • Real Lives 2014
    • 2013 Sermon Series >
      • Real God 2013
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  • Christianity 101