Sing a Song of Thanksgiving

Introduction and Background

After the heavy, nerdy messages of the last couple weeks, something lighter and more joyful

One of several Psalms we could have used for this season; chosen for the upbeat nature of the writing

TO THE CHOIRMASTER

A PSALM OF DAVID

A SONG

These notations are part of the inspired Word, as opposed to the bold-faced “Oh God of Our Salvation—a translator’s comment

Likely composed for annual use at a gathering of God’s People to celebrate the harvest, maybe at the barley harvest

Seems to relate to the temple environment; possibly a celebration with a sacrifice and a meal

Harbinger of what was to come

Some scholars suggest that it may have been written after a year of many trials and troubles; yet the harvest was still abundant

…would account for the rather emotional tone of the song

…we could delve deeper—but won’t; enough lies at or near the surface

Written by the “man after God’s own heart”

Interesting that a song with this picturesque imagery is written by a warrior

A God of Grace

vv. 1-4

“Praise awaits…could be translated “praise waits silently”

Either way, there is an expectation that appropriate honor and adulation would be given at an appropriate time

May relate to the apparent gathering of the people

Gives credit to God as the One who truly answers prayer…and the world should take note

Psalm 67:1–3 ESV

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!

Even though he set the nation of Israel aside as His own, He was accessible to the World

The people of God should be a force to attract others to Him

There is a clear statement that God is worthy of vows made to Him—and that they should be performed, whatever they may be

There is recognition that God atones for transgressions (follow-up coming in v. 5)

…therefor He is responsible for the blessings

The grace comes in with the idea of iniquity and atonement

Need to define atonement:

Hebrew word incorporates both “cover” and “cleansing: often relates to forgiveness

Lexham Theological Wordbook Atonement

The term atonement expresses the notion of divine forgiveness as the removal or covering over of human guilt and the turning away of God’s wrath.

God is under no obligation to honor sinners—or forgive them

...that He provides atonement is grace

The fact that He atones seems to precede all the rest of the Psalm

…without it, we wouldn’t have the “rest of the story”

Rabbit Trail Warning

Recent conversation re:

1 Timothy 4:10 ESV

For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

General cultural understanding that God is the savior—preserver, upholder, sustainer of all life

The term “savior” was also use for political leaders, including the Caesars

The 1 Tim. passage splits out the temporal from the eternal

God upholds all mankind by his grace (temporal)

Also grants salvation (eternal) to those who believe

A God of Might

1st is statement that God always answers with righteousness

Our understanding of that term may be different than His…but He is always righteous is His works

Ultimately, He is the hope of all mankind—and someday every knee will bow and acknowledge that

Multiple images of His power as it is displayed

…established mountains; stills the roaring seas; stills the tumult of the peoples

>>interesting contrast between roaring seas and tumultuous people

People should stand in awe of these displays of His power—though we often do not

…all the ends of the earth…

[or maybe all the people should exult like the glory of daybreak and sunset]

A God of Plenty

His display in providential supply

>>note imagery on vv. 10ff

softened, fertile ground; overflow of produce headed for market or storage; the beauty of a lush wilderness (wild growth); planted, productive farmland, or grazing sheep

Application and Challenge

We continue to celebrate

As believers, we celebrate that eternal salvation we have

…those trusting in Christ’s finished work

>>That should be our primary cause for thanksgiving

2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

We who truly know God, through HIs Son, can join those who pay lip service to a God they do not know—but may know of—as they thank Him for what they do enjoy