Monday, October 21, 2013

N.T. Wright on the Psalms

September Afternoon, Just Before Sunset


"There is a prejudice in much of contemporary Western society that imagines that humankind grew up sometime in the 18th century, that everything before then is sort of silly, and that everything after then is sophisticated, intelligent, and informed by science.

"But what is true today was true in the first century: There was a clash of worldviews. The early Christians discovered themselves drawn into the Psalter's ancient Jewish way of seeing God as both totally other than the world and radically present—dangerously present—within it. And of course, this very description of God is also the description of Jesus. The Psalms enabled the first generation of Christians to navigate the world of their day, a world not all that different from our own." - N.T. Wright




Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble. 
 Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change,
    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 
 though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble with its tumult.  Selah
 
 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High. 
 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
    God will help her right early. 
 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts. 
 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah

 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has wrought desolations in the earth.
 
 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
    he burns the chariots with fire! 
 “Be still, and know that I am God.
    I am exalted among the nations,
    I am exalted in the earth!” 
 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah

 ***


Photobucket

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Definitely thought provoking! And a truly beautiful picture too.

Trace4J said...

Beautiful.
Be still..
Woolie Blessings

podso said...

Thanks for this this morning!

MadSnapper said...

nothing has really changed with humans since the Garden of Eden, the THINGS have changed, but human kind continues to be the same and will until the end of time... i wonder what Abraham or King David would think of all our techie stuff.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

HI Judy Thanks for sharing. woonderful shot just before sunseet

Terri D said...

Sadly, history has proven that nothing has changed with us. We just keep repeating the same mistakes, over and over. So thankful and blessed to have His Grace.

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Beautiful sunset and wonderful Psalm!

Debra Hawkins said...

What a beautiful image!

J_on_tour said...

A Superb opening shot to a thought provoking post. It is interesting how we seem to complicate things in many areas of modern times (e.g. music mentioned in the link)

The deception of the 18th century philosophies seem to have developed into a deep rooted benchmark for ideas & excuses where "Everyman does that which he thinks is right in his own eyes"
God does not change (Mal 3 v 6) & essentially the human heart does not change but God requires us to change (Matt 18 v 3) but sadly that seems confusing so the people of a changing world (Ps 46) where people get excited more by the latest products of a changing world.

Lastly, a great Psalm packed with truth & inspiration. Seems strange to say but as I learn from the linked article, I must remember to treat them as Psalms !

Nancy said...

Any civilization can say what they want but isn't it wonderful that God is the same now, tomorrow and forever...Great post.....

Anonymous said...

God's word is always timely isn't it?? HE is our refuge...

Karen said...

I remember our Pastor for 25 years (who is now in his late 80's) fondly quoting this psalm from memory.

Chatty Crone said...

One of my favorites!

Lynn Blaylock said...

Wonderful post!

Lynn Blaylock said...

Wonderful post!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I needed to hear this more than you known. Thanks.

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