PSALM 50

REFLECT: God’s justice will be evident throughout all of creation. What power exists when God speaks? (Genesis 1:3; John 1:1-3) In God’s eyes, what did his people get right? What were they lacking? How did the wicked fail? What did these two groups have in common?

RESPOND: A similar message is delivered to Israel in Amos 5:4-6. In verses 14-15 of this psalm, God directs his people to sacrifice, fulfill their vows, call upon him, and honor him.  How, specifically, will you do each of these items this week?

1 The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets.
2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.
3 Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages.
4 He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people:
5  “Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice.
7  “Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you, Israel: I am God, your God.
8 I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.
9 I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,
10 For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.
12 If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
14  “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High,
15 And call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
16 But to the wicked person, God says: ”What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant upon your lips?
17 You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.
18 When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw your lot in with adulterers.
19 You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit.
20 You sit and testify against your brother and slander your own mother’s son.
21 When you did these things and I kept silent, you thought I was exactly like you. But I now arraign you and set my accusations before you.
22  “Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you:
23 Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless, I will show my salvation.”