The 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19A), Sept. 11, 2005
BCP: Ecclus. 27:30-28:7; Psalm 103 or 103:8-13; Rom. 14:5-12; Matt. 18:21-35
RCL: Exod. 14:19-31; Psalm 114; or Exod. 15:1b-11, 20-21 or Gen. 50:15-21; Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13; Rom. 14:1-12; Matt. 18:21-35
Few psalms are as worthy as Psalm 103 of full treatment in a sermon or a study. It carries the full breadth of the Christian faith. It covers the heavenly hosts, our sin, God’s grace, the thanksgiving, hope and praise of believers.
The heavenly host: God the Father has his throne established in the heavens and he rules over all. Furthermore, the self-description he gave to Moses comprises the central strophe: He is a God who is slow to anger, full of compassion, and abounds in mercy and steadfast love.
God the Son shows his redeeming act in the radical forgiveness of the cross, separating our sin from his judgment as far as the east is from the west.
The powerful acts of the Holy Spirit are listed — he moves us to know our sinfulness and our fleeting role on the stage of life. The wind blows over us, and then we know we fade like the flower of the field. And by his action the forgiveness we receive moves us to a healthy fear of the Lord and a desire to keep his covenant.
This view of heaven also includes the heavenly creatures, the angels who do his bidding, and other ministers who do his will. Their mention at the very least piques our imagination about other things of heaven of which we know so little.
We receive full and proper treatment with awareness of sin before the majesty of the holy God. His redemption is graphically given as redeeming our life from the pit. No “lite” sin in this psalm! His full measure of mercy not only saves but lifts up and crowns. He satisfies and renews.
With such a list of mercies received, it is only right that our response be more than a passing thought. We bless the Lord, we remember his benefits, we even count them. We fear the Lord who has shown us so much undeserved mercy, and we remember that we are but dust and commit to keep his commandments.
The psalm caught the attention of those who came after David. No fewer than 10 of the prophets pick up David’s phrases and imagery. We do well to take our people into its beauty and its truths.
Look It Up
Trace the parallels of verses 8 and 9. What does this say about God? What aspects need more emphasis today? Less emphasis?
Think About It
If you were writing a psalm of praise for God and his goodness, what qualities of God would you include? What kindness toward you would you include?
Next Sunday
The 18th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20A), Sept. 18, 2005
BCP: Jonah 3:10—4:11; Psalm 145 or 145:1-8; Phil. 1:21-27; Matt. 20:1-16
RCL: Exod. 16:2-15 or Jonah 3:10—4:11; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 or 145:1-8; Phil. 1:21-30; Matt. 20:1-16
