Winning the Revolution

based on Psalm 119:137-144

Pentecost 7 – July 3, 2005

Sixth in the series Summer Psalms by Pastor Richard Mau

Immanuel Lutheran Church – Des Plaines, IL

Read: Psalm 119:137-144

This weekend we celebrate our nation’s Declaration of Independence from English rule. Thomas Jefferson began, “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal…” From there he penned the document that began a struggle over what is right and how we would live in this nation for now 229 years. And yet that struggle for independence continues in many and various ways as today’s headlines include throw-backs to the issues of slavery, of states’ rights and individual rights, of the basic freedoms articulated in the Bill of Rights. It is international as we debate how to defend our freedoms in relation with other political entities. Yes, we won the battle for independence but are we still fighting that battle today?

Paul writes so eloquently in his letter to the Romans how he fought this battle for independence day in and day out in his life of faith. As a devout Jew and learned Pharisee, he knew Gods word and commands inside out. Then Jesus introduced himself to Saul and now this Paul knew exactly how and when the battle was won on Calvary. But still, the war for independence raged on in his earthly body and soul.

That is a focus of this section of Psalm 119. There is a constant struggle in this world. There is a constant struggle in the heart, body and soul of every believer. There is only one resolution to these struggles. There is only one declaration of independence from the tyranny of power, conflict, economics, mistrust, anger, jealousy, hate, lust, envy, coveting, stealing, hurt and harm and murder. We worship the things of this world as gods instead of worshipping God for giving us the things of this world. We are consumed by the things we are given to consume. In our independence we find ourselves dependent, held in slavery to passions and dreams and all of the things already mentioned. Are you losing the revolution?

Jesus tells us that even little children understand. God’s covenant with you is a simple thing. He loves you. You do not have to do anything but love and trust him in return. Jesus has carried the load for you and gives you his yoke in place of yours. His yoke carried the burden of your sins, of your rebellion against God, of all of the temptation and trial and suffering there is. He carried it completely and now gives it to you, the battle won, the job done, the victory yours.

Zechariah tells us to “…rejoice greatly…your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation…” Zechariah pointed to Christ as he entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, proclaimed a king not knowing how complete this king would be. By the end of the next eight days that king reigned supreme over even death. In that time he gives his body and blood that wins the battle. In that time he carries your burden to the end of its road. In that time he does everything for you that by trusting that promise you are free today.

In Psalm 119 today we are reminded that it is the Lord himself who is righteous. His laws are the right ones and the statutes by which he establishes all things are righteous and fully trustworthy. We do not have to worry about the interpretation of another attorney or another court or another judge who so often contradict each other. There is no gray area. God’s word is always true.

“My zeal wears me out.” Believers do get frustrated as the world does not follow God’s commands and his love. Each believer gets frustrated just like Paul, struggling to follow God’s commands in a sinful body that cannot do it. Then you have the great comfort knowing that all of God’s promises have been thoroughly tested. That is why we have the accounts of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all of the other heroes of faith God gives in Scripture. We see how sinful and mistaken each was and how God’s love prevailed as he delivered them and kept them firm in faith in him. Abraham trusted God and it (that faith) was credited as righteousness. Your trust in God’s love for you in Christ Jesus is credited to you as righteousness.

With the Psalmist together we confess that God’s statutes are forever right. We pray to him for understanding that we may live. And he gives you that, a life sealed in faith in your baptism and the gift of salvation that is forgiveness of all sins and eternal life won on the cross by Jesus.

The strife is o’er, the battle done;

Now is the victor’s triumph won;

Now be the song of praise begun. Alleluia!

Lord, by the stripes which wounded you

From death’s sting free your servants too

That we may live and sing to you. Alleluia!

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen. [Phil 4:7]