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Hear O Israel , If you will listen. Psalm 81. Background. A psalm of Asaph Written during one of Israel’s feast days Passover – Lev. 23:4-8 Trumpets – Lev. 23:23-24 Tabernacles – Lev. 23:33-34. Celebrating Blessings. Praise God in song & music (1-3)
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HearO Israel,If you will listen Psalm 81
Background • A psalm of Asaph • Written during one of Israel’s feast days Passover – Lev. 23:4-8 Trumpets – Lev. 23:23-24 Tabernacles – Lev. 23:33-34
Celebrating Blessings • Praise God in song & music (1-3) • Did God actually command/ authorize instrumental worship? OR did He tolerate it?
Celebrating Blessings • Praise God in song (1-3) • The point: A call to praise God at His appointed time to do so. • Why these feasts? To commemorate God’s deliverance of them. Properly observed they would humble the people
Celebrating Blessings • Praise God in song (1-3) • Lesson: We are commanded to assemble (Heb. 10:25)AND various acts of worship intended to remind us of what God has done for us That is why abuse in worship is taken so seriouslycf. 1 Cor. 11:17-34
Celebrating Blessings • Commanded by God (4) • A statute for Israel, a law for God • Observing these feasts was expected by all.
Celebrating Blessings • Commanded by God (4) • In our worship: When God gives us instructions, we must respect in word and deedJohn 4:24, cf. 1 Cor. 11:28-29, Jas. 4:3
Celebrating Blessings • Can these verses be used to justify instrumental music today? • No! First it was directed to Israel. Also they were part of the Old Law
Celebrating Blessings • A reminder of God’s deliverance (5-7) • Throughout psalms and prophets reminders given of Israel’s history and God’s deliverance, especially the exodus.
Celebrating Blessings • God’s deliverance (5-7) • Examples: Joseph – made Egypt possibleGoing through the landDelivery from slaverySecret place of thunder (Ex. 14:24 or 20:18-20)Tested at Meribah - Ex. 17:6-7
Celebrating Blessings • God’s deliverance (5-7) • Has God done wonderful things for us? Thought: Unlike Israel, we do not have annual holidays – though we have a memorial
Israel’s Rejection (8-12) • Admonished, charged (8-9) • God’s law – No foreign gods!Ex. 20:3, Deut. 6:13-15 • God has ALWAYS demanded exclusive worship
Israel’s Rejection (8-12) • Admonished, charged (8-9) • Can we be carried away with idols?1 Cor. 10:14, 1 Jn. 5:21Col. 3:5 – Covetousness is idolatry
Israel’s Rejection (8-12) • I AM the Lord your God(10) • He was their only hope of deliverance • A charge to seek Him first Matt. 6:33
Israel’s Rejection (8-12) • They rejected God(11-12) • Over and over they rejected Him. • He let them do what they wanted to do • But their decision had consequences
Israel’s Rejection (8-12) • They rejected God (11-12) • Today: God will not force us to serve Him! Rom. 1:24-25 • God wants you, but it is YOUR choice!
A Call to Repentance (13-16) • Listen and walk in His ways (13) • Today: God still want men to obey Him! 2 Pet. 3:9, 1 Tim. 2:4 • Listening is not just hearing words, but responding
A Call to Repentance (13-16) • Promise of deliverance (14) • He can save! 2 Pet. 2:9, • He will punish His enemies – 2 Thess. 1:6-9 • Whose side are YOU on?
A Call to Repentance (13-16) • Haters would pretend submission (15) • Had they been loyal He would have subdued even those who are not loyal to Him
A Call to Repentance (13-16) • Haters would pretend submission (15) • When we stand for what is right, we might silence our enemies – 1 Cor. 1:27, 1 Pet. 2:12, 15 • Do we stand up for God enough?
A Call to Repentance (13-16) • God can and will bless the faithful (16) • Faithfulness to God leads to satisfaction. • Are you satisfied?
Truly, we are blessed! Do we realize it?