Seder 6 Sermon: Lifting One's Soul to God in Psalm 25

 On November 18, 2023, Kyle Kettering gave a sermon at Church of the Messiah on Psalm 25.  He told us that this lament psalm is traditionally known as the "falling on one's face" prayer.  The psalmist (presumably David) confesses his sins and does not justify himself.

The psalm opens, "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul."  What does it mean to lift one's soul to God?  It could be that David intends to offer himself to God completely, as a "living sacrifice" of the type described in Romans 12:1-2.  

A question arises in regard to verse 11:  "For your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great."  What is the antecedent of the pronoun "it"?  Is it the psalmist's guilt that is great, or God's name?  A tradition recorded in Leviticus Rabbah suggests that both are in view, since it is only a great God who forigves great sins.  

Kyle observed that the lament is grounded in covenant trust and expectation.  The psalmist prays that God remember his mercy rather than the psalmist's sins, in accordance with his nature and character (verses 6-7).  

Psalm 25 is one of eight acrostic psalms in the psalter.  The acrostic is not perfect, however; it lacks two letters---kuph and vav.  It is natural to ask if there is some message in this omission.  Kyle offered some possibilities.  

One is that kuph and vav can be combined to form kav, a word for a straight line or plumb line, a cord, or a statute or precept, as in Isa 28:10, 13.  Certainly the psalmist here desires for God to teach him, to show him the way to go.  We all need God to show us the way, and God teaches those who acknowledge their shortcomings and submit to him (vv 8-9).

Sukkot 2021: God as Teacher

 In the book of Exodus, we see God as Deliverer and Redeemer.  We also see him as Teacher.  In presentations at the Church of the Messiah Sukkot celebration on September 25, 2021, Kyle Kettering explored this important biblical picture of God, expanding on his remarks from September 18.  

Kyle observed that teachers are patient with their students.  They know the limitations of their students and don't give up on them.  We observe these characteristics of God in the Exodus account, where God patiently deals with the fear, anxiety, and complaining that the people exhibit during the journey to Sinai and at Sinai.  

Whom does God teach?  Psalm 25:8 says that God "instructs sinners in the way."  For those who humbly turn to God for guidance, as David does in Psalm 25, God provides that guidance.  Isa 30:20-21 also pictures sinners receiving instruction in the way to go.  

If God instructs sinners, the Talmud says (b. Makkot 10b), how much more the righteous.  For example, God promised Moses at the burning bush that he would teach Moses what to say when he came before Pharaoh (Ex 4:12).  

God teaches us in many ways.  He teaches everyone through general revelation, through the creation (Rom 1:18-32).  

He teaches us through his word.  Remember that the word "Torah" means instruction rather than "law."  In a broad sense, Torah includes all the spiritual instruction of God's word and its corollaries.

Jesus is a teacher, not just a carpenter.  When Nicodemus came to see Jesus, he confessed, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God" (John 3:2).

God also teaches us through the Holy Spirit--e.g., Luke 12:11-12.

Why does God teach us?  Because we need it.  God created us, and he knows that our thoughts are "but a breath" (Ps 94:11), so he "teaches man knowledge" (v 10).  

God also teaches us so that we will teach others, as David showed the desire to do (Ps 51:12-13).  The recipients of Hebrews are criticized for still needing basic instruction when they ought to be teaching others (Heb 5:12).  

The Talmud (b Sotah 14a) asks what it means to "walk after God"?  The answer:  To do what he does.  God teaches us, and so we should teach others.  

One audience member at Kyle's presentation asked him why he was making use of post-biblical rabbinic literature.  Kyle observed that there is much to learn from it.  The fact that rabbinic literature contains much of value illustrates the fact that God does not give up on his students.  He is still Israel's teacher.  

Seder 54: Psalm 25---Praying for Forgiveness, Seeking Wisdom

 In Psalm 25, an acrostic psalm associated with David, the psalmist seeks God in a time of trial, knowing that God is his only sure source of help (vv 1-2).  

Times of adversity lead to self-examination, and to the realization of our own limitations.  The psalmist thinks of his own mistakes and sins that have contributed to his problems, and he humbly asks God to (1) teach and guide him (vv 4-5); and (2) forgive his sins (vv 6-7). He understands God's merciful nature as revealed, for example, in Exod 34:6-7:  

"Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old" (v 6).

He is confident that God will answer his prayer, because God does teach and forgive those who submit to him (vv 8-12).  This is consistent with the meaning of his name (v 11).  Those who fear God will be taught and blessed by God.  They'll be friends of God, as Abraham was (vv 12-14; see Isa 41:8). 

He confidently prays for his own deliverance, and for that of the whole people of Israel (vv 15-22).