I have a message from God in my heart
concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:
There is no fear of God before their eyes.(Psalm 36:1)
A Message from God?
As a pastor, nothing makes me more nervous than when someone says they have received a “message” from God! Just like Jake & Elwood Blues were compelled to do crazy things because they believed they were on a “mission from God,” I can’t help but be a little concerned what’s going to happen next when someone says “I have a message from God.” It makes me nervous! I am a little skeptical (this probably isn’t really from God), a little frightened (what if I don’t like the message) AND a little bit hopeful (maybe this is what I’ve been waiting for).
As a pastor, nothing makes me more nervous than when someone says they have received a “message” from God! Just like Jake & Elwood Blues were compelled to do crazy things because they believed they were on a “mission from God,” I can’t help but be a little concerned what’s going to happen next when someone says “I have a message from God.” It makes me nervous! I am a little skeptical (this probably isn’t really from God), a little frightened (what if I don’t like the message) AND a little bit hopeful (maybe this is what I’ve been waiting for).
David the worshipper begins Psalm 36 with those words, “I have a message from God in my heart.” At least that’s the way the NIV Bible translates it. The original Hebrew word ne-um can be translated “message” or “oracle” or “revelation,” but the important part of David’s intro deals with WHERE the message comes from and WHAT the message communicates. Most scholars believe that the message from God is something that has been revealed to David—something David has learned through observation or revelation. But the meaning of that message may be even more challenging than the medium. David’s conclusion—David’s revelation—is that sin arises from a lack of healthy fear.
Not only has David’s fear of the Lord taught him about the sinfulness of the wicked; but the sinfulness of the wicked had taught David about the fear of the Lord! What exactly is David’s “message from God?” What has David learned?
The Bible has a lot to say about the fear of the Lord, particularly in the Psalms and Proverbs. It tells us that if we fear the Lord, God’s eyes are on us (Psalm 33:18); God protects us (Psalm 34:7); it will leads us to trust (Psalm 40:3); it is the “beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10) and the “beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7); it is a source of blessing (Psalm 128:1); it adds length and health to our lives (Proverbs 10:27; 14:27; 19:23); it will guard us against temptation (Proverbs 16:6); and it will guard us against self-destruction and pride (Proverbs 22:4).
If we want to find real life in this world, it begins with having a healthy fear of the Almighty God.
Of course, we almost always see fear as a negative thing—something to avoid or conquer. Doesn’t scripture support that as well? After all, 1 John 4:18 says, “perfect love drives out fear,” and “the one who fears is not made perfect in love.” So, what does it mean to fear the Lord?
Martin Luther wrestled with this question. Ultimately, he concluded that our fear of God begins as a “servile fear,” where we are afraid of the punishment of our sinfulness. But that kind of fear eventually gives way to a “filial” fear—like a child who is afraid of displeasing or alienating our Father—the source of our security and hope, our joy and our love. Luther’s idea is captured beautifully in Psalm 130:3-4. “Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.”
God is powerful to judge…but God is also mighty to save.
David’s song in Psalm 36 proceeds to describe what he has learned from observing the wicked: they flatter themselves too much to notice their own sin (v. 2); they fail to act wisely or do good (v. 3); they plot evil and commit themselves to a sinful course (v. 4). But the bulk of David’s “revelation” is focused on the benefits of knowing and fearing God—God’s love & faithfulness (v. 5), His righteousness & justice (v. 6). He is our protection & provision (v. 8), He is the source of our life & light (v. 9). It isn’t simply God’s righteous judgment that produces holy fear in the hearts of His followers; it is also God’s unfathomable love.
In Luke 7:36-50 we read a story about a sinful woman at the feet of Jesus. She has a holy and healthy fear of the Lord. At the same table is a Pharisee—a good church guy—who Jesus calls out. Jesus tells them that her love and worship is a result of an understanding of her own forgiveness; and Jesus suggests that the Pharisees lack of love is the result of his self-righteous pride.
I HAVE A MESSAGE FROM GOD IN MY HEART TODAY…and so do YOU. That Message has a name…Jesus! He is forgiveness and freedom. He is love and life. The Message we’ve been given isn’t one we have learned FROM the world…it’s One we have been given FOR the world! God’s judgment is to be feared and avoided. God’s forgiveness is to be accepted and celebrated. God’s love is to be enjoyed and shared. His life is the source of life for you, for your family, for your church and for your world. Fear him! Love Him! And stay thirsty for Him!
Pastor Philip
SONG: Your Love Oh Lord (Psalm 36)
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