Psalm 63, 98
Deuteronomy 8: 1-10
1 Corinthians 1: 17-31
Mark 2: 18-22
The Old Testament readings for today are filled with references to praising the Lord--with lips, with song, with mouth, with a “new song.”
That means the promise to “lift up my hands and call on your name” (Psalm 63:4) and to “break forth into joyous song and sing praises” (Psalm 98:4) has been taken care of in our worship service, right? Well, read on...
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands;
let the hills sing together for joy
at the presence of the Lord, (Psalm 98:7-8)
The whole world is sounding the Lord’s presence! The Big Show of praise and joy is breaking out of the tent and heading on the road. The New Testament readings confirm that the old order has been turned on its head by none other than Jesus Christ. This is, after all, a “new song.”
And it’s not about us and our personal development. Self-righteousness and hypocritical piety (see Pharisees) are perishable. Privilege and power are useless. Paul tells us:
God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God.....Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:27-29, 31)
In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus says “one puts new wine into fresh wine- skins.” (Mark 2:22),--again, an emphasis on new.
There are plenty of other “takeaways” from today’s readings, but I’m going to concentrate on just one: renewal. Self-promotion, self-satisfaction: out. Singing to the Lord a new song: in. So, what new way will you “boast in the Lord” today?
Treanor Baring