As we near the end of the book of Psalms, the exclamations of praise seem to grow in crescendo after crescendo. The final five psalms begin with the simple and direct command to “Praise the LORD!” but the first of these—Psalm 146—has a particular focus on God’s concern for the poor and oppressed as a primary reason for such praise.

Read Psalm 146:1-10. What is the message here to us? What is God saying, especially in Psalm 146:5-9?

mage © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com

As surely as God is Creator of this world (see Ps. 146:6), this Psalm describes God’s continuing work in the world as judge, provider, liberator, healer, helper, and defender—all of these focused on people in specific need of these kinds of help. It is an inspiring vision of what God does and seeks to do in our lives, in our communities, and in our world.

Sometimes we think of caring for the needy as something we ought to do because God said so. But Psalm 146 says this is something God already does—and we are invited to join with Him. When we work against poverty, oppression, and disease, we are truly working with God and His purposes. What greater privilege can there be than partnering with God in fulfilling something as inspiring as Psalm 146?

But there are also benefits for us. Christians often talk about their search for God and their desire to have a closer relationship with Him. Yet, verses like Psalm 146:7-9, and so many others throughout the Bible, indicate to us that one way to find God is to join in with what He does. So, if He is working to lift up the poor, sick, and oppressed, as Psalm 146 says He is, we should be working with Him, as well. “Christ came to this earth to walk and work among the poor and suffering. They received the greatest share of His attention. And today, in the person of His children, He visits the poor and needy, relieving woe and alleviating suffering.

Take away suffering and need, and we should have no way of understanding the mercy and love of God, no way of knowing the compassionate, sympathetic heavenly Father. Never does the gospel put on an aspect of greater loveliness than when it is brought to the most needy and destitute regions”. – Ellen White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 226.

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/9QgHacDJrWo/

Read Psalm 101:1-8. Though written for leaders, what important counsel can we take from it for ourselves, whatever our position in life?

Psalm 101:1-8 is a text for leaders. It is thought that these verses were composed by David in the early days of his reign as king of Israel. They may even have been adapted from vows that he made at the time of becoming king.

Mercy

In his experiences as a warrior for Saul and then a fugitive from him, he had witnessed for himself how a king who loses his way could damage the nation and his family. David determined that he was going to be a different kind of leader.

Few of us might be political or national leaders, but we all have roles in life in which we have the opportunity to influence and encourage others. These might be in our working life, community involvement, family, or church. As Ellen G. White comments on one of these settings of leadership, “the vows of David, recorded in the 101st psalm, should be the vows of all upon whom rest the responsibilities of guarding the influences of the home”. – Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 119.

As we have opportunity, we should be prepared to suggest and uphold these principles to those who fill positions of leadership over us. And all of us, in our leadership and places of influence, have the opportunity to apply David’s leadership principles in order to help us be a blessing to others.

The starting point for David is honoring God for His mercy and justice (Ps. 101:1), which became the foundation for everything David sought to uphold by his leadership. He sought to learn and practice these same characteristics in his life and work. To do this, he must resist the temptations toward wrongdoing, corruption, and dishonesty, all of which are particular traps for those in positions of power and leadership.

Knowing how important good counselors were to help him to do right, David pledges to seek out trustworthy advisers and to appoint honest officials. Justice and mercy were to mark his leadership, even among those who worked with and for him.

We might not be in a position to have advisers and officials, but how can we fill our lives with influences that help us to live and to lead (where we can) with justice and mercy for those who need it?

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/LVg8305I-nA/

You can view an in-depth discussion of “Sabbath: Mercy and Justice in the Psalms and Proverbs” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. You may download an MP4 video file, and audio file or a PDF lesson outline from the HopeSS site.

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/cQMEOWTKrcg/

The most-loved and well-known Psalm is in Hymn 546 or 552, “The Lord’s My Shepherd”.

The Psalms are songs of hope (Sunday) as is 
Hymn 214, “We Have This Hope”, as is 
Hymn 5, “All My Hope on God Is Founded”, Hymn 440,
“How Cheering Is the Christian’s Hope” and 
Hymn 522, “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”.
At the end of Sunday’s study, judgment is given – 
Hymn 418, “Day of Judgment, Day of Wonders!”

The theme of judgment continues on Monday – 
Hymn 416, “The Judgment Has Set” as does 
Hymn 647, “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory”.

Psalm 101 (Tuesday) commences with “I will sing of mercy and justice….” – 
Hymn 110, “God’s Free Mercy Streameth” and 
Hymn 521, “Depth of Mercy”. Our pledge at the end of the days’ study should be 
“O Brother, Be Faithful” – Hymn 602.

Walking With the Lord (Wednesday) give us 
Hymn 590, “Trust and Obey”, 
Hymn 574, “O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee”, and 
Hymn 554, O Let Me Walk With Thee”.

We are all needing the mercy of God (Thursday) and can sing again 
Hymn 110, “God’s Free Mercy Streameth” and 
Hymn 521, “Depth of Mercy”.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/No8sVMoiKos/

Key Thought: The ideas in Psalms and Proverbs are that God does notice and intervene to protect those often ignored or exploited. We need to show mercy and justice as well.

July 27, 2019

1. Have a volunteer read Psalm 82.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How does God defend the poor and fatherless and do justice to the needy and afflicted? What is significant about the fact Elijah was sent to only one widow lady to help her when there were many widows in the time of famine?
3. Personal Application: How do we balance mercy and justice in our interactions with others? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “How do you deal with people who are evil in heart and mind, preying on their neighbors and society with theft, crime, and drugs and yet claim that they are the poor and oppressed?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Psalm 101.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What does it mean not to set any wicked thing before your eyes?
3. Personal Application: In what ways would you consider yourself a leader or in a position of influence? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “How can we be agents of justice in the world of sin and evil? Is it in political activism? Is it in community involvement and advocacy? Or is it in how we live our lives at home and in the community?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Psalm 146:5-9.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. Why are the principles of justice and fairness so important in building a strong society?
3. Personal Application: Have you had an experience where you felt closer to God in helping someone else? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “How can we help those in need in the culture and social structure we have in our situation? Are there some measures we can take?” How would you reply to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 10:4-6.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. Why do innocent people suffer at the hands of evil people? When will the oppression and violence ever end? What answers does God give us for these questions?
3. Personal Application: How does God see and deal with the lazy, indolent, and violent people? Do we see the results now, or are they in the future? How had the government endorsed or rejected God’s counsel? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/KL93Mixsp-o/