“5Let the faithful rejoice that he honours them. Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds.6 Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands—7 to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, 8 to bind their kings with shackles and their leaders with iron chains, 9 to execute the judgment written against them. This is the glorious privilege of his faithful ones.” Psalm 149:5-9 NLT
God Almighty,
Your servants of old lived in perilous times and marauding armies and enemies were a real danger. The Israelites also believed they were appointed to execute vengeance. Not from personal revenge or earthly politics, but at times, in obedience to Your command.
So is this Psalm still relevant to us, Your people in Christ? Do we still have enemies? Christ never intended his gospel should be accompanied by sword or did he?
Well, we are called to praise You, while we wield the sword of the word of God, with the shield of faith, in warfare with the world (sin), the flesh, and the devil (Ephesians 6). You assure us we will be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). A testimony about the love of God can melt the hardest heart.
We do have an enemy. We are responsible to not only be worshippers, but warriors in a spiritual warfare that at times may seem very real and difficult. In a spiritual sense, we are to execute vengeance and oppose everything that would seek to take Christ from us. Or deny Him Lord. Help us to fight the good fight of faith.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God Almighty,
We pray for our family and friends and our neighbourhood. We pray for there present needs. But we ask for those outside Your Kingdom that You would cut through their unbelief so they can see and know Jesus in all HIs glory and grace. And find life and hope in You.
We pray for the success of the gospel wherever it is shared. We pray that the persecutors would find freedom and change sides. We pray You will keep Your church safe in areas of conflict.
Bring war to an end in Ukraine and other counties where there is no peace. Have mercy in Libya and Morocco and those who mourn and those whose lives have changed forever. Send help and comfort and gradually hope and light in their darkness.
As the nights draw in we thank You for the light of love which surrounds us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 18th September 2023
Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
see his banner go!
Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
At the sign of triumph
Satan’s host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
loud your anthems raise!
Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
one in charity.
Crowns and thrones may perish,
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the Church of Jesus
Constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never
’Gainst the Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise,
Which can never fail.
Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor,
unto Christ the King;
This thro’ countless ages
men and angels sing.
Lyrics: S. Baring-Gould