Slices
Prepare
Imagine you are high up looking down on the area where you live. What do you see? Ask the Lord to speak to you today.
Bible passage
For the director of music. Of David.
1 The fool says in his heart,
‘There is no God.’
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
there is no one who does good.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven
on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God.
3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.
4 Do all these evildoers know nothing?
They devour my people as though eating bread;
they never call on the Lord.
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
for God is present in the company of the righteous.
6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,
but the Lord is their refuge.
7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
When the Lord restores his people,
let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
Explore
This psalm condemns the arrogant – people who live as if God does not exist. The fools (v 1) are wicked and arrogant, not ignorant. The fools’ arrogance results in them behaving badly through corruption and ‘vile deeds’ (v 1). The consequence of the fools’ way of life is that God’s people are abused (v 4) and the poor taken advantage of (v 6). Looking at our world today, we see that nothing much has changed.
In contrast, the psalmist identifies the benefits of believing in God and living as he wants his people to live. He affirms that God reigns (v 2). He recognises how few people seek him (vs 2,3). Contrary to what the fools think, he does dwell with his people (v 5). He rescues the poor and provides a refuge for them (v 6) and promises to restore his people (v 7).
We also see in this psalm hints about the Messiah (Jesus) who is to come from Zion to save and restore his people (v 7). Verse 3 tells us how much the world needs this (see Romans 3:23,24).
Respond
Look at the news headlines in your area. Notice the indicators of people living as if God does not exist. Pray for God to reign in your local area. Pray for your church community that you will play your part in witnessing to a different way to live.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezekiel 48; 1 John 4
Pray for Scripture Union
Give thanks to God for blessing Faith Guide Mel with the courage and opportunity to share Jesus with children not in church.
