Sources (Psalm 36)

Investigative

The story goes that one day there was a couple of people fishing on a river bank. As they sat there they saw someone in the river, barely staying afloat and yelling for help. So one of them jumps in to save them. Then as they make their way back to shore, they see another person, so they do the same. But as they get back to shore they see another, and another, and another. Eventually, wet and exhausted they ask why people are falling into this river....so they walk up stream and find a broken bridge where people kept trying to go across, oblivious to the break and kept falling in. They realized if they helped address the source of the people falling in, rather than the symptom they’d have a better impact.

Here the Psalmist is contrasting two sources and their outcomes.

1-4 & 5-9, then again in v. 10 & 11-12

v. 1 - The Psalmist personifies “transgression” as being able to speak, deep within the heart of those who behave wickedly.

What he’s bringing to light is that behind their behavior is a source, a driver, that pushes.

Transgression is covenant breaking.

Covenants with gods in that time was a big thing. It was how you secured prosperity, fertility, security of borders, etc.

Israel is no different in that at Sinai (10 commandments) they entered into a covenant with Yahweh.

Because of listening to transgression:

He has no fear, no reverence for the person transgressed.

I remember as a Sheriff Deputy one thing I’d do is escort inmates to the judge. It was always interesting the young arrogant ones that thought they’d talk slick to the judge.

Why no fear?

He smooths himself over with a lie, not that he hasn’t transgressed, but that his crookedness can’t be found out.

Because of the lack of fear his words reflect his “smoothness”, providing a source for trouble and deceit.

Trouble meaning they lead to more wickedness or emptiness

He’s comfortable in this way and plans wickedness all under this shroud of false security.

Different source:

Yahweh, who’s steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, and judgment are immeasurable.

Those who rely on this source:

“Feast on the abundance” - referencing the wealth of fat that would be seen during good offerings.

“Drink from the river of your delights” - the idea of a continual flow of delicacies

This could be an allusion to the rivers that flowed out of Eden to water the garden that the first humans ate from.

In that there was a source of life

Yahweh being the originator of light, contrasted with the darkness or hiddenness of the iniquity.

He closes with a plea to Yahweh to continue his steadfast love those who know him and are “fit of heart” or “level”

And to protect him from the foot of those who rise up (the arrogant) and the hand of those who would make him a “wanderer”

Because in Yahweh doing that those who once rose up will be thrust down and unable to rise.

TR: I’ll pause there and ask us to take a moment to reflect on what I’ve said and the truths of this passage, in a few moments I’d like for you all to verbally respond in a Q&A time to three questions.

1) Where is this passage challenging or presenting some conflict with you?

2) Where is this passage bringing some clarity to you or confirming something for you?

3) What thoughts does this passage lead you to?

Expressive

As we move into a time of response and explore what God is doing among us, I’d like to outline some ground rules.

Please don’t share more than a minute so other people can have a time to respond, you can also text in a question or statement in the GroupMe.

Please remember we are different humans with different opinions and it’s okay to hear something you don’t agree with.

This is a time to be nourished by listening to what the Spirit of God is doing amongst each other.

Take 5 minutes to discuss as groups then we’ll open it up to the larger room.

TR: SIT DOWN ON A STOOL

Declarative

What is your source?

Yahweh speaking through the prophet Jeremiah stated:

Jer. 2:13 “for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

As I meditate on the course of my life I think about the efforts that I’ve made to simply make things harder!

How I’ve smoothed over my transgressions, thinking that under the shroud of darkness, being clever, or justifying behaviors actually lead me to emptiness.

Have you made yourself feel better about something that you shouldn’t?

I recently went to the dentist. What do they always ask you? Do you brush and floss regularly? I hate that question because they already know!!! That’s why I hate going to the dentist. Cause if you ain’t been doing right, they gonna snitch.

LAND IT LOUD

What you’re robbing yourself of are the benefits of connecting to the life giving source

John saw this life giving source in Rev. 22:1 “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb”

This life has a way of wearing you down…while I was on sabbatical I contemplated everything, including my faith...

I was laid bare, dealing with my mom passing, Pastor Bob passing, Mama Rita passing. I would replay at times old voicemails they left me just to hear their voices and remember them.

I became dry. The desert winds of life had stripped all of my coverings off and I was bare.

I felt as though at that point I crawled to the stream of God and just dunked my head into it and oh was it good!

Paul echoes this in Rom. 11:33 “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”

Jesus is that living water! John 4:10 “Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.””

Don’t listen to transgression, turn away from the smooth whisperings of wickedness.

THEY’RE EMPTY!! THEY LIE!!! GOD IS REAL!!!

Yes at times this thing is hard. I have sat in that seat with a cynical attitude as Christians have tried to sooth me with platitudes, “God will provide”, “Jesus loves you”, etc.

I can tell you that it doesn’t always make sense! Yes, I love me some Yahweh but honestly He can be frustrating because I don’t understand at times…that’s okay.

I accept my limitations. And I know that the empty words of the wicked are useless. They’re a bottle of salt-water for your thirst.

Have courage to confront yourself in your sin! Consider the source of your behaviors and trust in Yahweh!

Because there is a life giving river of His delights awaiting you!!!

DO COMMUNION