April 5, 2021 – Psalms 48-52

In Psalm 50, Asaph reflects on what is an acceptable sacrifice before God, the Lord who “speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting” (50:1). Does God, who created the earth and who already possesses all that is, actually require anything from our hands, that is, other than a simple word of thanksgiving? He declares, “I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds. For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine” (50:9-11).

Just yesterday morning, I referenced this text, one of my favorite Bible texts. God not only owns the cattle but also the hills upon which they graze. And from his abundance he delights to give to his children what we need. Jesus affirmed, “Your Father who is in heaven give[s] good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11). As our heavenly Father, he delights to “graciously give us all things” (Rom 8:32). And he has given us the greatest gift of all, the forgiveness of sin and life in Jesus Christ!

O Jesus, you were born to be

God's gift to save humanity;

O Jesus, you're the living Way,

The Resurrection, God's new Day.

You give us hope and make us new;

How wondrous is our life in you! --Charles Burney