The Second Sunday after Epiphany (Ps) January 20th

Psalm 76:1-12
¹  In Judah God is known; 

his name is great in Israel. 

²  His abode has been established in Salem, 

his dwelling place in Zion. 

³  There he broke the flashing arrows, 

the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah 

⁴  Glorious are you, more majestic 

than the mountains full of prey. 

⁵  The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; 

they sank into sleep; 

all the men of war 

were unable to use their hands. 

⁶  At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, 

both rider and horse lay stunned. 

⁷  But you, you are to be feared! 

Who can stand before you 

when once your anger is roused? 

⁸  From the heavens you uttered judgment; 

the earth feared and was still, 

⁹  when God arose to establish judgment, 

to save all the humble of the earth. Selah 

¹⁰  Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; 

the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt. 

¹¹  Make your vows to the Lord your God and perform them; 

let all around him bring gifts 

to him who is to be feared, 

¹²  who cuts off the spirit of princes, 

who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.

Who can stand before the Lord God almighty?  God has uttered Judgment against his own people.  God has uttered judgment against the entire world.  There is only one who is in control over all of creation.  He has readied his people for battle, and he is fighting on their side.

Jesus Christ called his disciples to follow him.  He called them to become fishers of men.  He has called all people to come to him for rest and salvation.  He has called all people to look at their own sinfulness.

Here is the interesting thing to think about: God has called his people to be set apart, but these same people are the ones with whom God has problems.  These people have driven God away from themselves.  They have not trusted in God, nor have they feared him.

This is the real Key: Do you Fear God?  I do not mean righteous fear, but I mean actual fear.  God cuts down princes, and kings.  God even throws down horse and rider in his wrath.  God may do the same to you, for your sinful nature (not even deeds).  Thanks be to Jesus Christ who has redeemed us.  Jesus Christ takes our judgment and wrath upon himself.  Healthy Fear of God is good, but trust in the promise of Christ also.