Pondering Fridays
I never like the TGIF slogan. I take offense at a few things and generally allow them to roll off. So why does this one bothers me? Well, there are several reasons. First, it comes awfully close to violating the commandment to not take the name of God in vain. Now it is not an intentional violation, so I’ll just suggest that if it is your weekly slogan, consider its gravity.
Second, I doubt that most of the time the phrase is used, the pontificator has even thought about God. It is just a slogan that allows the user to lay the vocational work week aside for a few days.
And the third irritation is that it is selfish. He who locks the office door behind him speaks only for himself, as is evidenced by taking his wife to dinner on Friday night and a concert on Saturday and benefits from those for whom Friday was not the end of their work week.
What to Do on this First Friday
Having had a few minutes between activities this afternoon provided the opportunity to randomly read Psalm 68 as that is where the Bible on the desk lay open. The Psalm’s central thought tells us what to do: “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who bears our burdens daily. Our God saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death” (19-20). What a great way to end the first work week of the new year! In fact, here are two great verses to pin to your electronic calendar to show up every Friday in 2023.
The Framework to Do It
Oh, yes, this is a Psalm for Israel. Nonetheless, it has a message and inspiration for all people. Listen to verse thirty-two, “Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord.” And the reason given is His natural revelation calls all people of the earth to worship. Again, listen “to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice. Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens. You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary,” and it is not just natural revelation, but His special revelation defines it, for “the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.” Just read the record (2-4). “Sing to God; sing praises to His name!” (4a).
What Else to Do on This First Friday
There are three applications that call for implementation that should challenge us on this first Friday of 2023. Whether the news cycle of the week or our personal experience of this first week is considered, these will be blessed spiritual exercises to close out the business week and prepare for the Sabbath.
Lesson One
David begins with these words, “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.” On New Year’s Day, the pastor spoke of the need for hope in the world and in the Christian life. He cited several both Christian and Secular authors to illustrate the ramped wildfire of anxiety in society. On the drive home from church, an individual was interviewed regarding America’s mental health crisis. David’s words here point us to the solution personally and sociologically. Let God arise and watch His enemies be scattered. There are two ways to understand this. First, as an appeal to the individual or the society to bow before God and submit to His Lordship—if you please, let Him be God in your life and society. The second understanding is prayer. David asks God to intervene in the affairs of man actively and follows this through verse four with a historical illustration of what has occurred on occasions when God has arisen. Experience one: consciously choose to submit to God and trust Him to deal with the enemy.
Lesson Two
In verses five and six, David affirms promises found elsewhere in the Scriptures. Fatherlessness (the lack of participating fathers, is rapidly becoming a crisis in America). The number of children conceived out of wedlock, and the escalating number of single-parent homes (disproportionately mothers and/or grandmothers) has grown exponentially. David affirms that God is there to fill the void, but the rebellious, those who will choose not to turn to Him, will live in a parched land (that is, it will be tough going).
Another growing problem in America and the world over is homelessness. Again, for those who will recognize that God is in Holy habitation, He will make a home for them (6a). David makes it clear that the problem is not God’s insensitivity to the plight of people but rather the rebellion of people who refuse to acknowledge Him and follow His wise instruction for life.
The historical illustration is from the record of Israel in verses seven through ten.
The implementation here is the activation of Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart (mind, emotions, and will) and do not manage life by your own ingenuity; rather, in every dimension of your life, acknowledge Him (in David’s words, “Let God arise”). The result will be that He will make your paths straight (my paraphrase).
Lesson Three
This lesson from verses 19-23 foreshadows the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:27-30. Note first that Jesus indicates that the authority of God has been given to Him (27)—so He can do what He promises. There is a word that is common to both passages. It is BURDEN. The fact of life is that there are burdens. There are burdens of health, want, and desires. They are a daily experience in the very best of circumstances.
So here is the implementation. Remember the call of God as seen in the words of Jesus, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened.” Then hear His promise, “I will give you rest.” Yes, Jesus said, there is His yoke, but it is His yoke. It is designed to enable us to carry his burden, which is light because it is proportional to His grace (“I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”) that He freely supplies.
Conclusion
It would be fascinating to read this blog if written by Martin Luther on the first Friday of the new year, 1532. Just two months earlier, he posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Church in Wittenberg, Germany, that would begin the Protestant Reformation. Perhaps of greater interest, if he had written this blog on Psalm 68 on the first Friday after April 18, 1521, the day he refused to recant his writing before the Diet of Worms on the penalty of death. By the following Friday, he was tucked away at Wartburg Castle for the next nine months. Most likely, he would abstract these and several more lessons, though with more gusto as was characteristic of his writings.
God’s truth, promises, and instructions are constant in principle and static on morals. They are the same in the Pentateuch, the prophets, the Psalms, the Gospels, the Epistles, and Revelation. They are consistent because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His word is forever settled in heaven. Israel could count on it, and we can count on it!