Psalm Series

September 27, 20154th SundayPsalm 124

Psalm SeriesPsalm 124 (NRSV)

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side

—let Israel now say—

2 if it had not been the Lord who was on our side,

when our enemies attacked us,

3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,

when their anger was kindled against us;

4 then the flood would have swept us away,

the torrent would have gone over us;

Psalm SeriesPsalm 124 (NRSV)

5 then over us would have gone

the raging waters.

6 Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us

as prey to their teeth.

7 We have escaped like a bird

from the snare of the fowlers;

the snare is broken,and we have escaped.

Psalm SeriesPsalm 124 (NRSV)

8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 124“A Mighty Close Call”

– Marvel Comics, Movies and Supercharacters

Superheroes and supershe-roes:

*Use power to defend and rescue

*Shine in dangerous, complex, high-risk situations

*Deliver and prevent something from happening

The rescued experience a close call.

Psalm 124“A Mighty Close Call”

Our text in context

* Hebrew poem set to music

* In the Song of Ascents collection

* In Book 5 of 150 Psalms

* Sobering and festive song

Psalm 124“A Mighty Close Call”

*God FOR US

*Four images describe danger:

-swallowed us alive (v.3)

-flood swept us away (v.4)

-torrent gone over us (v.4)

-raging waters gone over us (v.5)

Psalm 124“A Mighty Close Call”

And now the deliverance and escape!

Oh thank Almighty God, we are...

NOT prey (v. 6)

Free from a trap or snare (v.7)

Now, that was a MIGHTY CLOSE CALL!

#youseehowGoddidthat

Psalm 124“A Mighty Close Call”

Who exactly is this “Help?”

*the Maker of heaven and earth

*YHWH, life-giver; proper name for the God of Israel

*Yeshua

*Jesus

Psalm 124“A Mighty Close Call”

We have a testimony of a mighty close call.

God is our help, and He is on our side!

He saves and delivers.

If He did it before, He can do again!

Psalm 124“A Mighty Close Call”

https://youtu.be/BHSg8JaYmDs

“If It Had Not Been” by Helen Baylor