PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 79
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem.” (Psalm 79:3)
Blood spilled, like Abel’s blood, cries out for justice (Genesis 4:10).
Our world is filled with blood, precious life wasted!
It is not because of God’s anger (v.5); it is what leads to God’s anger!
When Israel became guilty of bloodshed, God withdrew protection.
Yet God does not withdraw altogether, but steps into the bloodbath.
He does not avenge outpoured blood (v.10) but offers his own in Jesus.
The blood of Jesus mingles with our blood in Jerusalem (John 19:34).
His blood cries a better word than Abel’s – justice and mercy (Hebrews 12:24)!
We’ve become desensitized to blood – in the news, in computer games.
We ignore appeals for blood donations — too busy shopping or watching TV.
We fight over communion juice, but say little about violence and death.
As Jesus followers, we should feel the preciousness of every life.
He calls us to join him in the fight for justice and mercy!
He urges us to offer our blood (lives) to heal, not hurt, others!
PRAYER
Lord, your precious life is poured out to heal and restore our precious lives. Use me to end the cycle of cruelty and violence. Use me to heal and restore!
We prayer “Hallowed be your name!” – we honour God – we are to hold God’s name in the highest honour. When we dishonour God and disobey – we are guilty of grievous sin. The Israelites disobeyed and were punished – they did not merit forgiveness – but God’s name would suffer further dishonour. That’s why the Psalmist appeals for the honour of God: “Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.” How often do Christian’s harm the name of God – stain His honour and glory! O Lord help me live to the honour of your name – to be a follower that brings honour to your name!
The people had one their own way, doing what was right in the own eyes , not listening to the Word of the Lord. God’s judgment came upon His people – those unfaithful and those faithful. There are Christians being persecuted also this day for their beliefs or those living in the violence of the land. God hears and sees what is happening to His world. The people pray for His mercy. They pray that the glory of the Lord may be revealed also in times like these so that the people will return to Him and praise His name today and forevermore. Praise Him. Serve Him. Be an instrument of His peace.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.