READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l It is imperative that we look at biblical justice as our direction this year is Discipleship in Society. Psalm 137 is not often preached as it can be seen as violent. If the Psalm is a worship song, how can it be a word of God? This is an imprecatory Psalm that contains a curse that invokes misfortune or punishment on someone, especially the enemies of God. The author called out calamity, destruction and God’s anger on judgment on evildoers. Despite this harsh imprecation, let us not shy away from understanding it but learn precious lessons from the Psalm.
Past (v1-4) – This was written after the people returned from exile and as a recollection of the past. The exiles wept bitterly, grieved over the deaths of their loved ones, left in shame and guilt. They could not bring themselves to worship anymore. They struggled with their captivity in a strange land and a sense that God had abandoned them.
Present (v5-6) – The people returned to Jerusalem. The Psalmist declared he will never forget Jerusalem where God’s temple and kingship is. God’s presence is there with the people. He cursed himself that if he forgot Jerusalem, he would forget how to play his instrument and be unable to sing.
Future (v7-9) – The Edomites betrayed the Israelites and sided with the Babylonians. The Babylonians ransacked the city and destroyed the next generation, creating hopelessness. The Psalmist called for divine retribution on the Edomites and the Babylonians, and angry worship resulted.
How do we make sense of this imprecatory Psalm? Here are 4 discipleship lessons:
- Engage in righteous anger
There is a place for the people of God to be angry when we should be. The Psalmist expressed a deep righteous anger for what the Babylonians and Edomites have done. The curse was placed on them for they defiled God’s name. We do not like to be angry today. We look for happy news and avoid news on hardship and injustice. This is not right. We need to have righteous anger because this is a worship of God. Righteous anger calls out for God’s justice. Engage in righteous anger to rise in prayer and action. - Surrender vengeance to God
We can be angry, but do not sin in our anger. Imprecatory Psalms are not about personal vengeance. Remember God is the ultimate judge, and He will establish justice. In 482 BC, Persian King Xerxes destroyed Babylon. There are also no survivors in Edom as prophesied in Obadiah 1:18. History has shown that God kept His word. Vengeance and retribution belong to Him as said in Romans 12:19. Surrendering vengeance to God is also worship. - Forgive as you are forgiven
The Hebrews returned from exile which is also returning from forgiveness. They were sent into exile for disobeying God and for idolatry worship. There is a biblical call for forgiveness in our angry worship. Forgiveness does not mean we continue to be trampled upon. Forgiveness does not mean letting go of the right to pursue a legal remedy. Forgiveness does not mean reconciliation. Forgiveness is not easy, and it is a journey. Forgiveness is a choice we make empowered by God’s grace. To let go of the debt and to let God be the debt collector. Max Lucado said, “Forgiveness does not diminish justice. It just entrusts it to God.” When we forgive, we are passing on God’s goodness. - Rest in God’s presence
Jerusalem is symbolic of God’s presence. Make God’s presence your greatest joy and that will be our place of deepest rest. In God’s presence, our anger and hate will be dispelled and dissolved by His love. Let the presence of God change us, not the circumstances. We can be set free in the presence of God. We will find refuge for our pain and healing for our betrayal. God is sovereignly in control.
This angry worship should be a righteous anger that arise in us whenever we see the wrongs in the world. Do not walk away. Allow the zeal of God to fill our hearts and what can we do to effect His goodness. Let us worship God and not take matters into our own hands. Our forgiveness glorifies God. Let us finally rest in God’s good presence and let Him be in control.
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
i. Read Psalm 137. What stands out to you? - Recall Sermon
i. What is the significance of imprecatory psalms?
ii. Why is it important to engage in righteous anger?
iii. How can we surrender vengeance to God?
iv. Why is it so important to rest in God’s presence? - Relate Personally
i. What in the sermon resonated with you?
ii. What is one discipleship lesson you have gleaned from the message? - Commit to Action
i. In what ways is God calling you to act in response to the message?
ii. What steps will you take this week to apply the lessons learned from the Psalm?
