Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18)
Preaching
A Journey Through the Psalms: Reflections for Worried Hearts and Troubled Times
Preaching the Psalms Cycles A, B, C
Object:
The scholars tell us that this psalm was likely a liturgical piece used in the celebration of the Lord's enthronement. This, more than many other psalms, tells a story. From the finding of the ark in Ephrata (v. 6) onward, the story is told with power and passion. As a people who are rooted in story, it is important for us to look deeply at what is going on here. This is not merely a historic document dating likely to pre-exile times. Some scholars think it might be "deutoronomic." It, like all of holy scripture, has a message to offer us in the here and now.
Of the many ways we have of seeking and uttering that message, one way is to try and locate oneself within the story. That is, to read and pray deeply about the unfolding drama of this psalm and to see what it feels like to locate ourselves therein. What, for example, would it have felt like to be one of those who actually found the ark in Ephrata? Discovering the holy like that must have its own set of feelings and emotions, observations and conclusions. Then it would behoove us to consider where in life today are we discovering the holy? Is it found in the expected places? Is it uncovered on the way to something else? And if the holy is not being discovered today, why is that?
Or perhaps the role of the priests "clothed in righteousness" (v. 9) ought to be examined. What of today's clergy? What does it mean for a pastor serving in the twenty-first century to be "clothed with righteousness"? Does it speak to ethics? To prophetic witness? Does it go to the ways that pastors live -- or not -- as role models and witnesses for a congregation?
In the same verse, it might be powerful to examine the "saints" who are shouting for joy. Assuming with Saint Paul that "saints" is another word for the regular folk in the pews, one has to ask about the joy quotient. On a scale of one to ten, how joyful are the saints in our churches? This doesn't refer to contentment or placidity. It doesn't lead into happiness or good attendance. This is joy: deep, spirit-born joy. And, of course, the question immediately follows about the connection between the "priests clothed in righteousness" and the "saints" shouting for joy.
There are numerous places in this psalm for each person to find a location. There are equally numerous challenges lifted for us as we go forward to find ourselves in the sacred story.
Of the many ways we have of seeking and uttering that message, one way is to try and locate oneself within the story. That is, to read and pray deeply about the unfolding drama of this psalm and to see what it feels like to locate ourselves therein. What, for example, would it have felt like to be one of those who actually found the ark in Ephrata? Discovering the holy like that must have its own set of feelings and emotions, observations and conclusions. Then it would behoove us to consider where in life today are we discovering the holy? Is it found in the expected places? Is it uncovered on the way to something else? And if the holy is not being discovered today, why is that?
Or perhaps the role of the priests "clothed in righteousness" (v. 9) ought to be examined. What of today's clergy? What does it mean for a pastor serving in the twenty-first century to be "clothed with righteousness"? Does it speak to ethics? To prophetic witness? Does it go to the ways that pastors live -- or not -- as role models and witnesses for a congregation?
In the same verse, it might be powerful to examine the "saints" who are shouting for joy. Assuming with Saint Paul that "saints" is another word for the regular folk in the pews, one has to ask about the joy quotient. On a scale of one to ten, how joyful are the saints in our churches? This doesn't refer to contentment or placidity. It doesn't lead into happiness or good attendance. This is joy: deep, spirit-born joy. And, of course, the question immediately follows about the connection between the "priests clothed in righteousness" and the "saints" shouting for joy.
There are numerous places in this psalm for each person to find a location. There are equally numerous challenges lifted for us as we go forward to find ourselves in the sacred story.
