Psalm 124
Preaching
A Journey Through the Psalms: Reflections for Worried Hearts and Troubled Times
Preaching the Psalms Cycles A, B, C
Object:
The words to this psalm bring to mind the phrase imprinted on a huge monument to Germany's fallen in World War I. Located outside Leipzig in the former East Germany, this towering pile of stones has inscribed on it in huge letters, "Gott mit uns!" In English, this can be translated into "God is on our side." In that same struggle, the forces allied against Germany also thought that God was on their side. It is a bit of a problem. For eons, people across the globe have tried to press God into service in their wars and struggles. One can only wonder whether God simply shook a cosmic head and wept over the slaughter.
History's list of those who counted God as ally is indeed long. However, we in the line of Judeo-Christian heritage have carved out a rather large footing in this arena. Indeed, much of our early heritage is rooted in an identity as ones who are chosen by God. There really is little sense in trying to deny this. It is our story.
We were lifted up by God and rescued from slavery in Egypt. God parted the waters for our ancestors and used those same waters to destroy Pharaoh's army. Our story takes us through the wilderness and into Canaan where God assisted in the victory to gain the land. Beyond this, there are numerous stories of God's special favor for the people of Israel.
All this really begs for the big question. What happens when both sides claim God as ally? How does God choose sides? Or to put it more succinctly: Does God choose sides -- especially in war?
There is one story attributed to Mark Twain. It is perhaps myth, but the point remains cogent. Mark Twain, in referring to the Span-ish-American War, commented that it is not whether God is on our side, but whether we are on God's side. It is a question that should be asked often. God is on the side of the poor and the oppressed. Are we on our God's side? God is on the side of justice and hope. Are we on God's side? God is on the side of new life and forgiveness. Are we on God's side?
History's list of those who counted God as ally is indeed long. However, we in the line of Judeo-Christian heritage have carved out a rather large footing in this arena. Indeed, much of our early heritage is rooted in an identity as ones who are chosen by God. There really is little sense in trying to deny this. It is our story.
We were lifted up by God and rescued from slavery in Egypt. God parted the waters for our ancestors and used those same waters to destroy Pharaoh's army. Our story takes us through the wilderness and into Canaan where God assisted in the victory to gain the land. Beyond this, there are numerous stories of God's special favor for the people of Israel.
All this really begs for the big question. What happens when both sides claim God as ally? How does God choose sides? Or to put it more succinctly: Does God choose sides -- especially in war?
There is one story attributed to Mark Twain. It is perhaps myth, but the point remains cogent. Mark Twain, in referring to the Span-ish-American War, commented that it is not whether God is on our side, but whether we are on God's side. It is a question that should be asked often. God is on the side of the poor and the oppressed. Are we on our God's side? God is on the side of justice and hope. Are we on God's side? God is on the side of new life and forgiveness. Are we on God's side?
