Resurrection Songs - Week 4: "Rock & Refuge"

IT’S STILL THE SEASON OF EASTER—CHRIST IS RISEN!

Over the past few weeks, we have asked: What does living as Resurrection People mean? How does the Resurrection of Jesus transform our lives and the world? 

This study of the lectionary Psalms for the Season of Easter answers the questions and more. 

We’ll be connecting these “Resurrection Songs” that we find in the Hebrew Scriptures with songs in our own lives that help us live into the hope we have in Christ in a world that needs a word of hope and a whole lot of grace, peace, and love. 

These Resurrection songs remind us of the power of songs in our own lives—the songs we sing or have been sung to us… reminding us who we are. 

Today we will explore Psalm 31, a song that helps us learn that God is our rock and refuge.  

Think about a time when you felt safe, confident, and sure. 

What was it about that time in your life that made that feeling so real?

I have a song for that feeling... A Bob Seger song... that will make you think of trucks. Here it is: 

What if I told you that the feeling you felt when you felt confident, sure, and safe is something you can carry with you everywhere you go for all your life?

And what if I told you that this is all because of the Resurrection of Jesus and that the new life you seek, where you have the confidence to face any challenge you encounter, is there whenever you need it? 

Here's what I want us to hold on to today: 

RESURRECTION IS THE ROCK THAT MAKES US WHOLE 

One: 31:1 In you, O LORD, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me.

All: 31:2 Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.

One: 31:3 You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake lead me and guide me,

All: 31:4 take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge.

One: 31:5 Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.

All: 31:15 My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.

One: 31:16 Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.

All: Amen. 

This is a song for those who understand the need for refuge. 

It's attributed to David, who knew a bit about this.  The story of David in a nutshell as he ran from Saul.  The cave at Ein Gedi.  

But it's also a song that reflects the reality of the refugees of Jerusalem after the Babylonians destroyed the city, tore down the walls, and left it open for attack. 

And the bottom line of this song is that there is a rock and fortress that will never be torn down.  No matter what the people were experiencing with a defenseless city, they had an impenetrable fortress. 

Verse 5 of this Psalm is interesting. 

"Into your hand, I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O God." 

Sound familiar?  These are the words of Jesus as he hung on the Cross about to die.  This song was on his lips, drawn from memory, sung as he experienced unimaginable suffering.  

Think of what it took to sing that song at that moment.  And everyone who heard it would have known the context of that one line would have finished it for him.  

"...you have redeemed me, O God." 

This psalm was on the mind of Christ on the Cross.  Think about that.  And think about these words that are so prominent in this song: 

You are my rock and my fortress...  say that with me. 

You don't have to be afraid.  You don't have to feel uncertain even in the midst of uncertainty.  You don't have to feel defenseless.  You can live in confidence.  You can live in hope.  Because of the Resurrection, you aren't kept, held, or imprisoned by anything except the love of God. 

You are my rock and my fortress... you have redeemed me, O God.  

Say this prayer with me.  Your part is to just say these words.  "You are my rock and my fortress..."  

When everything is falling apart—When my walls are gone—When my certainty is gone—When I’m frightened and vulnerable—When I am lost and alone—When all is lost…. 

"...you have redeemed me, O God."  Say that now.  

Because of Jesus' Resurrection---because of your great love---because of your grace---because of your lovingkindness---because of your mercy...  

RESURRECTION IS THE ROCK THAT MAKES US WHOLE