Psalm 68

Here's the picture that David invites us to see when we pray this Psalm. Since the time of Pharaoh, Israel has been in the wilderness. Sometimes in the literal wilderness of Sinai. Sometimes in the wilderness of war and "1 enemies." Always in a wilderness because they were looking for a permanent home.

But today -- and David invites us to imagine it -- "24 Your procession has come into view, O God – the procession of my God and King as he goes into the sanctuary."

Jerusalem is the new capital -- the city of David, the city of God. Imagine the Ark of the Covenant -- and the presence of God -- being carried into the sanctuary. "25 Singers are in front, musicians are behind; with them are young women playing tambourines. 26 Praise God, all you people of Israel; praise the LORD, the source of Israel's life. 27 Look, the little tribe of Benjamin leads the way. Then comes a great throng of rulers from Judah (another tribe) and all the rulers of Zebulun and Naphtali (more tribes, all the tribes)."

All of Israel is rejoicing and David prays: "28 Summon your might, O God. Display your power ... as you have in the past." It's a time of victory. Israel has arrived. They are now a great nation, and as David cries, "scatter the nations that delight in war," they pray for peace and prosperity.

Frequently, you and I pray for peace and prosperity too. This is our song of victory too because listen to how David describes our God. God is ...

+ "5 [the] Father to the fatherless"

+ "5 [the] defender of widows"

+ "6 [the one who takes care of] the lonely [by] placing [them] in families"

+ "1 scatter[er] [of] enemies"

+ "2 [the one in whose] presence [we can be] glad"

+ "9 [the one who] sen[ds] rain [and] refresh[es] the weary Promised Land"

+ "10 [the one who has] provided for [his] needy people"

+ "11 The [one who] announces victory"

+ "13 [the one who covers us with] silver and gold [and whatever other earthly blessing we have], [just] as a dove is covered by its wings."

+ "6 [the one who] sets the prisoners free and gives them joy"

That's God. That's the Savior. That's the deliver. That's the Messiah too! When John the Baptist sent his followers to ask Jesus if he was the one, "4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me" (Matthew 11).

So ... the cross is empty, the tomb is vacant, the procession is going up to Zion, God is on his throne ... now, what do we do? "32 Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth. Sing praises to the Lord."

Actually, let's turn these final verses into today's prayer:

"32 [I] sing to [you, O God].

[I] sing praises to the Lord.

33 [I] sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens,

[I bow before your] mighty voice [which] thunder[s] from the sky.

34 [Help me] tell everyone about [your] power, [give me boldness to proclaim].

[Just as your] majesty shines down on Israel, [shine down on me].

[Your] strength is mighty in the heavens, 35 [you are] awesome in [your] sanctuary.

[You] gives power and strength to [your] people.

[Give power to me today to face all that I have ahead of me.]

Praise be to God!