The Epiphany Of Our Lord
Preaching
Hear My Voice
Preaching The Lectionary Psalms for Cycles A, B, C
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see also Epiphany, Cycle B, for an alternative approach; see also Advent 2, Cycle A, for vv. 1-7.)
Using the psalm during Epiphany provides an opportunity to create a message that moves from the lesser to the greater. The lesser, of course, is the king of Israel. The functions and expectations of the Davidic king are recited and celebrated in the context of worship. The people are able to hear, with the king listening in, exactly what is his responsibility to God and to them.
For instance, the psalm opens with a prayer that the king may be given justice and righteousness so his rule will establish a just, social order. The king is here presented as the one who is responsible for the maintenance of the social order.
The psalm also prays for the long life of the king (v. 5). This indicates the belief that the nation's longevity, prosperity, and well-being are all tied to the fate of the king. If the king does well, the nation will also do well.
This psalm is expansive in scope. The psalmist celebrates the reign of the king "from sea to sea," and mentions "the kings of Tarshish and of the isles." This language allows him to project the reach of Israel's king to the very limits of "the whole world" (vv. 8-11). The prayer is that the king will have far-reaching dominion over nations that will submit to his rule and pay generous tribute.
Finally, the psalmist reminds the king of his responsibility to protect and defend the weak members of society (vv. 12-14). There were no laws in ancient Israel requiring kings to protect the rights of the powerless and the vulnerable. However, society placed the king under moral obligation to defend the weak, help the needy, and have compassion on those most likely to be victimized by others.
In our celebration of Epiphany, we are invited to expand these ideals the psalmist applies to earthly kings and celebrate their fulfillment in the appearance of the King of kings. Justice and righteousness are his mantle. Caring for "the least of these" is his daily bread. His kingdom reaches far beyond simple borders. For the King who has appeared to us as Jesus the Christ, his kingdom is the universe and his reign is forever.
-- J. E.
Using the psalm during Epiphany provides an opportunity to create a message that moves from the lesser to the greater. The lesser, of course, is the king of Israel. The functions and expectations of the Davidic king are recited and celebrated in the context of worship. The people are able to hear, with the king listening in, exactly what is his responsibility to God and to them.
For instance, the psalm opens with a prayer that the king may be given justice and righteousness so his rule will establish a just, social order. The king is here presented as the one who is responsible for the maintenance of the social order.
The psalm also prays for the long life of the king (v. 5). This indicates the belief that the nation's longevity, prosperity, and well-being are all tied to the fate of the king. If the king does well, the nation will also do well.
This psalm is expansive in scope. The psalmist celebrates the reign of the king "from sea to sea," and mentions "the kings of Tarshish and of the isles." This language allows him to project the reach of Israel's king to the very limits of "the whole world" (vv. 8-11). The prayer is that the king will have far-reaching dominion over nations that will submit to his rule and pay generous tribute.
Finally, the psalmist reminds the king of his responsibility to protect and defend the weak members of society (vv. 12-14). There were no laws in ancient Israel requiring kings to protect the rights of the powerless and the vulnerable. However, society placed the king under moral obligation to defend the weak, help the needy, and have compassion on those most likely to be victimized by others.
In our celebration of Epiphany, we are invited to expand these ideals the psalmist applies to earthly kings and celebrate their fulfillment in the appearance of the King of kings. Justice and righteousness are his mantle. Caring for "the least of these" is his daily bread. His kingdom reaches far beyond simple borders. For the King who has appeared to us as Jesus the Christ, his kingdom is the universe and his reign is forever.
-- J. E.
