Personal relationship as a home, a place where you can be accepted, known, and loved.
In the ancient world, one thing that was essential for survival was a place of relationships. A group of people who looked out for each other. This included the needs of provision and protection. “These are the people with whom I am making a home.”
Psalm 68 is probably written for the processional celebration of King David bringing the Ark of Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem after the Philistines held it for 20 years. 2 Samuel 6 (also Psalm 68:1 echoes Moses’ words in Numbers 10:35 about this, in praise of God) The overall theme is a victorious God who lives among the people, taking care of the people.
This Psalm speaks to the lessons they have learned about God throughout their history. It is a poetic song of what they believe to be true about God even though they face challenges and enemies.
We learn that God provides, protects, and shows love faithfully. God wants to live among His people in a loving committed relationship. God is up close and personal, and not distant.
“Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the Lord; exult before him! Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.” – Psalm 68:4-6 ESV
“Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name Yah, And rejoice before Him. A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation. God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.” – Psalm 68:4-6 NKJV
“Sing hymns to God; all heaven, sing out; clear the way for the coming of Cloud-Rider. Enjoy God, cheer when you see him! Father of orphans, champion of widows, is God in his holy house. God makes homes for the homeless, leads prisoners to freedom,” – Psalm 68:4-6 The Message
God can be someone to you that no one else can.
God wants to make available to you a personal loving committed relationship.
Christians have direct access to the presence of God, through the sacrifice of Jesus.
John 14:6 19:9 Hebrews 10:19
God is bringing us together, taking next steps in following Jesus, to be a place where we can belong, a place where we can be refreshed and healed, a place where we can love and be loved, a place we can welcome others to.
This passage speaks to who God is, what God values, what God is doing, and what God yet desires to do through us.
This is who God is, and it speaks to the kind of activity that God wants to inspire us to.
God can provide for and protect those who are unable to do this for themselves.
God may use people to bring provisions and protection for those in need.
Getting close to God should include getting close to people in need.
This is meeting practical needs. This is spending time with them, building relationships with them, eating with them, getting to know them. This is serving people and expecting nothing in return.
What should we do?
1. Receive the love of God.
2. Respond by sharing God’s love.
a. Be a good friend who listens.
b. Find a need and meet it.
Look for people in your life.
We will announce ways to help others.
“Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death.” – Psalm 68:19-20
“Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens, his mighty voice thundering from the sky. Tell everyone about God’s power. His majesty shines down on Israel; his strength is mighty in the heavens. God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!” – Psalm 68:33-35