Proper 14 (Ps) August 12th

Psalm 44:1-8

¹ O God, we have heard with our ears,

our fathers have told us,

what deeds you performed in their days,

in the days of old:

² you with your own hand drove out the nations,

but them you plant

you afflicted the peoples,

but them you set free;

³ for not by their own sword did they win the land,

nor did their own arm save them,

but your right hand and your arm,

and the light of your face,

for you delighted in them.

⁴ You are my King, O God;

ordain salvation for Jacob!

⁵ Through you we push down our foes;

through your name we tread down those who rise up against us.

⁶ For not in my bow do I trust,

nor can my sword save me.

⁷ But you have saved us from our foes

and have put to shame those who hate us.

⁸ In God we have boasted continually,

and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah

Most of the religions of the world enslave people to certain rules and regulations.  In order to be a good Catholic there are certain things you must do.  In order to be a good Jew there are special things that must be done.  In order to be a good Mormon there is a list of rules to follow.  In order to be a good Muslim there are rules to follow.  If you do not follow these guidelines of list of rules then you are not a member of said group.

The bible does teach many rules and regulations, but it does not say that you are the people of God because you follow these regulations.  The bible does not teach that because you follow these regulations you will become rich or have glory.  It does say that if you follow these rules or regulations you give glory to God, not to self.  The bible teaches that when you follow these regulations it gives glory to God.

Thus, boast in God always.  It is God who has claimed you to be his children.  It is God who calls his people out of darkness.  It is God who provides righteousness for salvation.  It is God who has provided the sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.  It is Jesus Christ who has given you his righteousness.  It is the Holy Spirit who provides people with true faith in Jesus Christ.  It is God who has claimed the victory for his people.  It is God who makes someone a true Christian, not rules or regulations done by men.