Psalm
50 reminds me of today’s youth sports competitions where everyone
gets a trophy for trying. We have developed a philosophy that we
don’t want to damage anyone’s self-esteem, by recognizing
success. The lessons learned in loss are eliminated, resulting in
players seriously over-estimating their abilities. The psalm clearly
differentiates between God and man. It begins, “The
Mighty One, God, the LORD,
speaks and
summons
the earth“.
Some people are excited about God’s coming judgment, but don’t
miss the next sentence. “Our
God comes
and
will not be silent…
around
Him a tempest rages… that He may judge His people“.
God begins with His own. He always sets the highest standards for
those that are called by His Name. “Gather
to Me My consecrated ones,
who
made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”
He begins by addressing those that have made a covenant with Him to
let them know they will not be judged by a jury of their peers, “God
Himself is judge“.
Not only that, but God will serve as Prosecutor, “Hear,
O my people… I will testify against you: I am God, your God“.
Understand that God has no need for witnesses, or testimony, or a
defense. God has perfect knowledge; standing before Him, nothing
will be hidden. Every thought behind every action will be exposed.
This should be a terrifying image to all of us less-than-perfect
servants. Everyone will not get a trophy just for participating.
Next
the psalm focuses on our attitude about sacrifice. We can easily get
twisted around thinking how much we give to God. As a parent of
teens, I realize how meaningful a simple expression of gratitude can
be. It attaches value to the gift. The truth is, every single thing
we have comes from God. God does not need our stuff, “I
have no need of a bull… for every animal of the forest is Mine, and
the cattle on a thousand hills“.
Our sacrifice is an opportunity to express worship. Giving to God
from your time, talent, or resources is a way to express thanks and
acknowledge its origin. This is a relationship, not a financial
transaction. He continues, “Sacrifice
Thanks Offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High“.
We miss much of the meaning because of our lack of familiarity with
the Levitical Sacrifices, but this Thanks Offering was a celebration.
This
offering
was an
extra offering, given along with a prayer need, or as thanksgiving.
The peace offering was
given AFTER the
atonement offering.
First there was a sacrifice for forgiveness, and then there was a
celebration. The psalm adds, “Call
upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor
Me“.
The
psalm concludes with a word to those that refuse to honor God’s
authority. “But
to the wicked, God says: ‘What right have you to recite My laws or
take My covenant on your lips? You hate My instruction’“.
He continues, “You
throw in your lot with adulterers… and harness your tongue to
deceit… You speak continually against your brother
and
slander“.
He adds, “These
things you have done and I kept silent“.
God does not crush us every time we get out of line; He desires that
we will come to repentance. His patience is often taken as
acceptance or weakness. But God gives this firm warning, “But
I
will rebuke you and accuse you to your face… Consider this, you who
forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue“.
Here is the option, “He
who sacrifices thanks offerings honors Me, and he prepares the way so
that I may show him the salvation of God“.
Maybe you think you deserve something for being a “good person”.
Do you hope God finds something worthy in you? Don’t be fooled
into thinking you can be good enough on your own. There are no
plastic trophies in heaven. Our sin requires a perfect sacrifice.
Our debt must be paid in full. Here is the good news for ALL, “If
we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is
not in us.
If
we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”
(1 John 1:9). Receive the gift of salvation and join the
celebration!