LHC Midday Word: PSALM Seventy Nine

A psalm of Asaph.

O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance;

they have defiled your holy temple,

they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.

They have left the dead bodies of your servants

as food for the birds of the sky,

the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild.

They have poured out blood like water

all around Jerusalem,

and there is no one to bury the dead.

We are objects of contempt to our neighbours,

of scorn and derision to those around us.

How long, Lord? Will you be angry for ever?

How long will your jealousy burn like fire?

Pour out your wrath on the nations

that do not acknowledge you,

on the kingdoms

that do not call on your name;

for they have devoured Jacob

and devastated his homeland.

Do not hold against us the sins of past generations;

may your mercy come quickly to meet us,

for we are in desperate need.

Help us, God our Saviour,

for the glory of your name;

deliver us and forgive our sins

for your name’s sake.

Why should the nations say,

‘Where is their God?’

Before our eyes, make known among the nations

that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants.

May the groans of the prisoners come before you;

with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die.

Pay back into the laps of our neighbours seven times

the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord.

Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,

will praise you for ever;

from generation to generation

we will proclaim your praise.

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Word by Word Meditations

by Fred Ursell

Psalm 79: “desperate” (v.8)

What a profound cry for God to speak and act! Jerusalem had been invaded and the temple defiled. Death, devastation and derision reigned. Though acknowledging that they fully deserved such drastic judgement, Asaph pleaded for “mercy” (v.8) and “help” (v.9), asking for the LORD to “forgive” (v.9). He confessed,“we are [N.B. not ‘I am’] in desperate need” (v.8).

He realised that, despite the nation’s waywardness, they were “your people, the sheep of your pasture” (v.13), and belonged to him.

Are you in a mess? Your extremity is God’s opportunity! Get “desperate” and call on him!

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READINGS

PSALM 79

Read by Sir David Suchet