Pentecost
Opening Prayer
You, O Lord, are a refuge for those who look to You. You will carry us safely home.
Read Psalm 11:1-7
[1]For the director of music. Of David. In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. [2] For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. [3] When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” [4] The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. [5] The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. [6] On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. [7] For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Where is David’s hope?It seems clear that David would have “got” Revelation at once: not the specifics, perhaps, but the essential message which is also here in this wonderful psalm. It is inspired by the same Holy Spirit. From bitter experience, David knew the feeling that the very foundations of his world were being undermined–at different times physically, culturally and spiritually. He saw warfare, betrayal and revolution in his complex life and learned the hard way that our God is the only safe refuge (1). The wicked rampage through verses 1-3 and then, in good time, receive their just deserts in verse 6. Meanwhile God, in this account, seems very still. He is in his temple; he is on his throne; he observes, he examines, he is righteous and he loves (4,5). The sense we are given is of One utterly in command, at peace, entirely unshaken. He will prevail. So high does he appear above the turmoil of our world that it seems impossible we might know him. And yet the promise in verse 7 is that we and he may enjoy close contact.
Apply
Thank God that, when he examines you, it is Jesus whom he sees. Believe that, one day, you will see him face to face.
Closing prayer
God, thank You that You are a safe hiding place for all who put their trust in You.
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