The first casualties of upheaval can be love, kindness, and patience. But crisis is also a moment when love for God & one another can spring up. For 150 days, starting on 17th March 2020, I will write 300 words based on one of the 150 psalms in the bible. How can I find and give love in the midst of coronavirus?Love in the Time of Corona: Day 89 Psalm 89
I used to play in a band. If you’ve ever played in a band, you know how hard it can be to choose the name for your group. We were the Random Groove Movement (I liked the name).
The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band
Smashing Pumpkins
Vanilla Ice
The list of strange band or artist names is almost endless. Psalm 89 comes from a songwriter with an odd name and a one-hit wonder.
Ethan the Ezrahite. He has written this Psalm, and it’s his only one. It’s long, he has packed a lot in – and his name is quite funky. It is Ethan the Ezrahite’s one-hit wonder.
But, and it’s a big but – it is very good.
1 I will sing of the Lord’s great love for ever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2 I will declare that your love stands firm for ever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. 3 You said, ‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, 4 “I will establish your line for ever and make your throne firm through all generations.”’
Ethan has two themes. 1. God is amazing & 2. God has chosen King David and his descendants.
Ethan speaks very kindly of King David (he may have been the cymbal player in David’s band – no joke). But he also knows the consequences of the king turning away from God. He sees the disaster that comes as a result. So this psalm also has a warning. But there is a promise, that whatever happens:
35 Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness – and I will not lie to David – 36 that his line will continue for ever and his throne endure before me like the sun;
Ethan may not know it – but he has looked ahead and spoken of Jesus.
But above all, the Psalm speaks of the amazingness of God. Read through it – the descriptions are beautiful. This is our God.
Let us finish with this statement of who God is, and what it is like for those who walk with Him:
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. 15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. 16 They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness.
May you walk in the light of God’s presence today.
Much love, Matt