Covid 19
During lockdown our church is closed for all worship servcies. The minister is available for chats online or on the telephone- please call him at any time for a chat.
There is weekly worship broadcast on our Facebook page see link below and on our new YouTube channel Cluny Monymusk and when you reach the page click the red C to see all the videos. There is also an online bible study group starting from 29th April 2020 for 6 weeks and a mainly music online presence.
Bible Study group
Using a mixture of printed notes and an online video there will be a bible study group. The minister would be delighted to recieve thoughts questions and comments about this. The information below is linked to a YouTube video also found on our Facebook pages
Cluny & Monymusk Churches Together
Bible Study April/May 2020 – Lament of God
Introduction
This is the last in a series of 6 bible studies based on laments to God found in the book of Psalms. So far we have looked at psalm 6, then 13 then 42 then 57 and then 69, and now for our final study we look at Psalm 102 .
Before we examine the content of the prayer, let’s take a moment to consider its type and structure. Of the 150 psalms in the inspired collection, the majority are laments. The superscription of Psalm 102 provides a precise definition of a lament:
A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak and pours out a lament before the Lord. (NIV)
The nature is serious in that the psalmist is overwhelmed. The time of the prayer corresponds to the time of the tragedy; this would be different from a prayer uttered several years after the fact (e.g., a psalm of thanksgiving). The focus is toward God.
Generally, laments have a discernible structure. Laments found in Jeremiah, Lamentations, and the book of Job contain a similar structure to those found in the Psalms. “This suggests that these writers were following an accepted literary convention, as poets frequently do in our Western culture” (Anderson 1983, 66). Laments are normally structured according to the following format:
address to God, complaint, confession of trust, petition, words of assurance, and vow of praise In Psalm 102, we can readily identify with the writer’s feelings concerning tragedy. The challenge lies in identifying with his thoughts concerning the solution.
Prayer
So let us pray
Bible study
Let us now look to the content of Psalm 102.
I say this every study It is important before beginning any study to read the passage through at least once but better twice
Please pause the recording and read through the Psalm now………………
Let’s now turn to the bible study itself and look at the layout of the psalm.
While laments of a similar structure can be found in Babylonian literature, the laments of Psalms are inspired. They are not to be construed as rambling complaints, but the songs are from-the-soul prayers to God. Their writers seek for divinely approved solutions in the management and resolution of real problems.
In Psalm 102, we can readily identify with the writer’s feelings concerning tragedy. The challenge lies in identifying with his thoughts concerning the solution. Let us now look to the content of Psalm 102.
Verses 1-2 The cry in Anguish
The writer’s prayer was a cry of distress (1-2).
The author of Psalm 102 had a faith rooted in the God who acts on behalf of his people-to whom else should he, or we, turn in anxious hours?
Verses 3-11 pouring out his soul
The historical situation of the afflicted one is unknown. One clue in the psalm may be verse thirteen with its reference to the rebuilding of Zion. The tone certainly fits one who was exiled in Babylon.
The health of the Psalmist was an issue as well, but it may have been a secondary cause of distress, and not the real issue at hand. Regardless, he was suffering in many respects, whatever the initial cause.
The psalmist spoke from a broken heart. His heart had received a blow — he was wounded.
These verses are a true reflection of what this person was going through. On my first reading I wanted to say pull yourselef together and stop moaning but this is so much deeper than that. This is a person at the end of the road.
And though a person of faith like other laments we have looked at the psalmist thought that God had abandoned him
If the setting was Babylonian exile, perhaps he was having to suffer because of the nation’s sins and God’s divine punishment upon them.
The reflection on his pain closed with his recognition of the lengthening shadows. He saw life’s sunset quickly approaching, and death lurking on the horizon (11).
Vs 12- 22 he turns things around with hope
Laments of Psalms are set apart from mere self-pity by sections like the following. The thoughts that helped the psalmist cut through the darkness to the dawning of a new day are found in verses 12-22.
Read that section again and see the difference and the descriptions of God
The basis, then, for the psalmist’s hope is that he recognizes the character and nature of God. God is faithful to his promises. He will accomplish his divine plans, and faithful men and women will praise him in spite of earthly trials.
Vs 23-28 The way forward
The writer’s basic petition, as he thought on these things, remained the same. He desired for the prolonging of days . The grounds for his request were: God is the Creator (25); God is eternal, and he is not subject to the changes of life (26-27).
But we, like the psalmist, must rely upon God’s Word. Although the heavens wear out like an old garment, he who is above time will accomplish his saving plan.
Conclusion
The study of the laments has not been an easy study but in this time of lockdown of challenge of frustration we can feel some of the pain and anguish of the psalmists. We each react differently to the situations we find ourselves in but like the psalmist including the one who wrote this psalm our life and world can be turned around with our trust and hope in God.
Regardless of the severity of life, and even in the midst of national calamity, victory is the final word for God’s faithful.
Take care and God bless you
Cluny & Monymusk Churches Together
Bible Study April/May 2020 – Lament of God
Introduction
This is the fifth or penultimate study in a series of 6 bible studies based on laments to God found in the book of Psalms. So far we have looked at psalm 6, then 13 and last week 42 and 57 now we are to look at what will be the longest of the psalms we shall look at having 36 verses and that is Psalm 69. I am not going to explore each verse you may be delighted to know but to pick up the flavour of the story contained in these verses and to see what they can teach us today.
To set the scene of this Psalm I am going to make an assumption that many have made and that is that the Psalm was written during the period of exile in Babylon
But before we turn to study God’s word let us ask for his blessing as we join in prayer
Prayer
So let us pray
Bible study
So we are going to continue our study of 6 psalms of lament by looking at Psalm 69
It is important before beginning any study to read the passage through at least once but better twice or more at one go so that the words start to sink in. It will take a bit of time to read it
Lets now turn to the bible study itself and look at the layout of the psalm.
Verses 1-4
This is the plea of the man or woman or as I have said maybe even a group of people whose lives have turned upside down who think that they are like a man drowning- the cry is save me or rescue me.
Verses 5-12
my second section and starts with a confession of sorts my folly in my version of in the GNB my sins are not hidden from you but then he goes on and suggests two more reasons why he should be saved
Look don’t let others with faith be discouraged because you don’t here and respond to my prayers. Does the author have a prominent position- he thinks so. Its because of my faithfulness to you that I am scorned and ignore and laughed at. And part of it seems to be because of nature almost as a zealot, verse 9 says as much For zeal of your house consumes me.
Verses 13-18
He repeats his appeal as that of a zealous follower who has found frustration in the way of faith and maybe even in his relationship with others. This is not uncommon for people of faith, sometimes faith hope and prayer seem not to be answered and this leads to frustration. The psalmist was fed up and was seeking help.
Verse 17-18 says
Do not hide your face from your servant, answer me quickly for I am in trouble.
Come near and rescue me because of my foes.
It is clear that the psalmist is feeling overwhelmed and possible part of that is rejection from God
Verses 19-21
He is really piling on his woes here and in this section he goes as deeply as possible- he is in the pit of despair.
Verses 22-28
The psalmist winds the lament up with these verses, he asks God to retaliate against those who have been against the psalmist. He actually wants God to punish them severely,
Pour out your wrath on them he pleads in verse 24.
But I believe that God’s judgment is fair and not done in anger or frustration so I can trust in him
Verses 29-33
This is actually probably a hymn of thanksgiving in light of all that has gone before the psalm finishes with praise to God. No matter how far down the psalmist has gone he returns to praise God
I will praise God’s name in song
Let heaven and earth praise him the seas and all that move in them.
This is a strong and uplifting finish and is typical of a lament in which all complaints and moans are given to God and then afterwards is a time of praise.
Questions to explore
Over the last few weeks I have at this point asked a few questions
I am only going to ask two just now.
My usual first question.
In these 36 verses what jumped off the page at you?
What in your context, would you want God to “hear” from your life?
Take care and God bless you
Cluny & Monymusk Churches Together
Bible Study April/May 2020 – Lament of God
Introduction
This is the fourth in a series of 6 bible studies based on laments to God found in the book of Psalms. So far we have looked at psalm 6, then 13 and last week 42 and now we are to look at Psalm 57.
Its important when studying any Psalm to think of the book of the psalms all 150 of them as not being written by one hand nor being written at one time, maybe in Sunday School it wsa easier to say that the Psalms were written by King David, the Shephard oy who killed Goliath and while he obviously did compose some of the psalms there are many whose authors are not known and whose inclusion in the collection can be worked out not because of who wrote it but how it came to be part of the Jewish worship practises.
Before we study the Psalm itself I want you to look up
1 Samuel Ch 21 vs 12- Ch 22 vs 2
Prayer
Bible study
So we are going to continue our study of 6 psalms of lament by looking at Psalm 57
It is important before beginning any study to read the passage through at least once but better twice or more at one go so that the words start to sink in.
Last week I mentioned briefly the introduction heading to the psalm and I think it would be worthwhile looking to see what your heading says here
In my Good News version the heading says
A prayer for help- short simple and to the point
The Study bible in the NIV version has a bit more
For the director of music. To the tune of ‘Do Not Destroy’. Of David. A miktam When he had fled from Saul into the cave.
Last week I told you about the heading which included the word miskell which was a term regarding almost instruction a teaching as it were
This week the term is miktan or michtan and there seems to be some debate about what this is means. One the one hand some suggest that it means a need for atonement and on te other hand there is a concept that it means that what is to follow is the equivalent of a golden nugget not to be discarded. It is important stuff. I suspect I am a good news version kind of chap, I like the simply a prayer for help which is maybe not what some of the original Hebrew language says but which gives us meaning to the psalm about to come.
Lets now turn to the bible study itself and look at the layout of the psalm.
In my versions you can almost see the pairs of verses
1-4
5- chorus
6-10
11 chorus same as verse 5
So what does this say to me and maybe to you.
There are two parts to this psalm and some suggest they were never meant to be together, but that some editor in the midst of time long forgotten thought they worked well together and they seem to stick together. If that is how it was put together maybe God inspirired the author or authors but equally so the editor for this is a marvellous lament to God
God is glorified as we trust Him in our trials (57:1‑4).
Although the word “trust” doesn’t occur in verses 1‑6, it is for me the main idea. Trusting in the Lord has come to be viewed as a bit of nice, but totally useless, advice for someone who is in a trial. But it is not useless; it is some of the most practical and sound counsel we can follow when we’re in a difficult situation. So we need to understand what it means to trust the Lord.
Vs 1- reliance upon God alone
Vs 2- going to God in prayer
Vs 3-4 Seeing God as greater than my problem
God is glorified as we praise Him in our trials (57:6-10).
So far if we assume for a moment that , David is still in the cave. Saul is still the king, still after David. David’s circumstances haven’t changed much, if at all. And yet instead of self-pity and complaining, David breaks out in praise to God. He teaches us two things about praise:
Vs 6-8 Praise is a matter of deliberate focus
Vs 9-10Praise is a matter of testifying to others of God’s goodness (57:9-10).
Questions to think about the passage
With that short intro we return to the usual form of questions- as with them always there is no right or wrong answers
What jumps off the page at you?
List the words the Psalmist uses to describe his enemies and their activities.
List the words the Psalmist uses to describe God and his activities.
What does the Psalmist ask God for? Why do you think the Psalmist asks God for this?
What, in your context, might lead you to call out to God, “Have mercy on me”
Homework
A little bit of homework for you if you want it.
Take some time over the next week to write a lament to God, beginning
with the line, “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy”.
Folks for the last few weeks I have been asking you to consider doing some homework, if you have nay to show me that would be great.
Take care and God bless you
Cluny & Monymusk Churches Together
Bible Study April/May 2020 – Lament of God 3
Introduction
In continuing our bible study about a lament to God I thought I would begin with a very short summary of what we have looked at so far
Our first bible study looked at the lament to God found in Psalm 10 which began with the words
Why O Lord do you stand far off why do you hide yourself in times of trouble.
During this Psalm we heard the cry of the faithful and reminded ourselves that the lament wsa not aa statement of lacking faith but a cry of the faithful in God and the expectation of the truth of God and the presence of God to be with us.
We then jumped forward a few psalms to look at Psalm 13 a short 6 verses which packed a punch and included the often standard structure of a lament and that is with first a complaint, then and appeal and finally trust in God
We may get to this later but think of the lament of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night he wsa arrested
I read to you from Marks short account
Going a little farther he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him Abba Father, he said , everything is possible for you, take this cup from me, yet not what I want but what you will.
There are many laments in the scriptures and tonight we continue to look at some in the Book of psalms
If you have a bible with you that would be great for it is easier should I refer to any other passages but the main scripture verses will come up on the screen but its not as easy looking back over them when we have some questions to think about in a few minutes.
But before we turn to study God’s word let us ask for his blessing as we join in prayer
Prayer
Bible study
So we are going to continue our study of 6 psalms of lament by looking at Psalm 42
I suspect your bible at home will have a heading before the Psalm something like Book 2 for this new Psalm is the start of another section of the collected book of Psalms. If you look at the bible there are different books in different categories, the writings of history, of the prophets of the Gospels of the letters etc. each written and collated in a way that makes sense at least to some.
It is the same with the book of Psalms, not all written by the same person nor are they written at the same time but they are collated and grouped into separate books for a reason. If you have a bible handy
how many such books/collections are there in the Psalms? (Answer during the bible study.)
So our study begins with Psalm 42 the first book in the second collection of the book of psalms.
Please pause this recording and take some time to read it over -Psalm 42
Yahweh in Psalms 1-41 title of God
Elohim in Psalms 42-72 as title of God
So we now look at the Psalm which no doubt when it was written was accompanied by the next Psalm 43. They appear to be one psalm but over the course of time and possibly for liturgical or worship practise reasons they became two psalms. We are only going to look at Psalm 42.
The heading for the psalm depends upon the bible translation in my good news versions it says simply
“ A prayer of a man in exile”
In my NIV study bible it says “for the director of music a miskell of the Sons of Korah”
The miskell is a term regarding almost instruction a teaching as it were and in this psalm according to the headline it addressed to the sons of Korah who are not the children as such but a tribe almost dedicated to helping in the temple. The psalmist is in despair and wants to share his message with like minded folk, and in doing so opens it up to us all to feel and understand his message.
Structure
So look at the first verse in poem it actually covers the first four verses in that Psalm. They start of with that wonderful image of a thirst for God as a deer thirsty no doubt after being chased down in a hunt.
“My soul pants for God”
A teaching that God was in the Temple in the holy of Holies in the centre. The alter was thought to be his footstool and so this s where the author wants to be. He writes verse 2 when can I go and meet with God. He wants to return to the Temple
The author is really feeling bad and yet at verse 5 returns to the trust aspect of a lament when he writes
“ put your hope in God for I will yet praise him my Saviour and my God.”
At verse 6 we get a glimpse of the complaint and the reason he is so downcast, that he is longing to be in the Temple, he is downcast because as the Good news version headline that I mentioned a minute or two ago this man is in exile and is remembering past glories and even intimacies with God in his Temple and in remembering he begins to feel better his spirit is lifted but he has not finished yet he still has to ask why did you forsake me but he recovers to the end of this psalm with the almost chorus to the psalm
“For I shall yet praise him my Saviour and my God.”
Questions for further study
So let us now have a look at the usual questions after our short study
What jumps off the page at you?
List the words the Psalmist uses to describe how he is feeling.
List the words the Psalmist uses to describe the physical impact of his suffering.
How does the Psalmist describe his current experience of God?
What has been your experience of having a downcast soul?
Homework
A little bit of homework for you if you want it.
Take some time over the next week to write a lament to God about the
experience of having a downcast soul.
Thank you for joining with me and I hope that you will join with me next week.
Bible Study April/May 2020 – Lament of God 2
Introduction
In continuing our bible study about lament I thought for any just joining us I would quick summarise what a lament is.
Lament, meaning a crying out of the soul, creates a pathway between the Already and the Not Yet. Between hat we expect and where we are on this journey. Lament minds the gap between current hopelessness and coming hope. Lament anticipates new creation but also acknowledges the painful reality of now. Lament helps us hold onto God’s goodness while battling evil’s evil at the same time. There are many laments in scripture, many times people of faith and people who trust God cry out to him seeking a path from the now to the what is to come. In a way it is a bit us like us now sitting in lockdown and longing for the day when we shall be told of how we are to return to a new normal in our lives.
If you have a bible with you that would be great but the scripture verses will come up on the screen but its not as easy looking back over them when we have some questions to think about in a few minutes.
Prayer
A time to dedicate our study over to God and ask his guidance in our understanding of His word
Bible study Psalm 13
So we are going to continue our study of 6 psalms of lament by looking at Psalm 13
Please pause this recording and take some time to read it over and once you have done that I will explore a bit more with you as we go through this shorter Psalm in a bit more detail before there are some questions to look at.
This Psalm follows a repeated pattern of lament passages in scripture , though not always the case there is three distinct parts of the lament.
Look at verses 1-2 this is the complaint How long will you forget me. We know that feeling don’t we how long is this going on for. But we don’t now the circumstances the psalmist found himself in we just know that it seemed to the author an never ending problem.
Now look at verses 3-4 for this is the next stage in many lament passages, after the complaint then comes the appeal. You have laid out to God what your complaint is in this case how long and now you want to seek an answer , you almost seek some bargain to resolve your issues
The Psalmist is pleading in this appeal, pleading for a way out and then just as you would think the worst was coming he suddenly jumps to the third part of many laments
And after what has gone on before is the miracle of faith.
Look at verses 5 and 6 – they are such a tonic at a time like this as they must have been to the Psalmist himself. Confidence in God is the final stage of lament -God has been good to me.
So a lament comprises
The complaint The appeal Confidence in God Some questions for discussion
What jumps off the page at you? Only 6 verses but they are packed with human concern and I suspect we have all experienced that or are just now experiencing it.
How would you summarise the Psalmist’s complaint? I think this is a difficult question for we done really know what is behind the complaint.
List the actions the Psalmist wants God to take. I suspect we might have a different understanding of the question and our answer
List the statements of faith in God the Psalmist makes
What has been your experience of waiting for God?
Homework this week
Take some time over the next week to write a lament to God about waiting for God in your context. If you want to share it with me that will be fine.
Cluny & Monymusk Churches Together
Bible Study April/May 2020 – Lament of God
Introduction
The material that I am basing this bible study on comes originally from the Scottish Bible Society and I am grateful for their leading in bible studies and I have adapted their work, added to it and removed some from it to suit my and our circumstances. For each week in which there is a study there will be a short summary circulated or posted online. I will do a video chat and people can ask questions which can be simply for me to respond to or can be shared among the group. Each week I would ask that a you have a bible present and I will start the study in prayer. Each study should only take about 30 minutes. But take your time.
Prayer
Topic: What is a lament?
Before we read the passage that I have chosen to start our study let us think about a definition or understanding of what lament is.
Aubrey Sampson, author of the powerful book, The Louder Song, Listening for Hope in the Midst of Lament. Says this
“Lament, meaning a crying out of the soul, creates a pathway between the Already and the Not Yet. Lament minds the gap between current hopelessness and coming hope. Lament anticipates new creation but also acknowledges the painful reality of now. Lament helps us hold onto God’s goodness while battling evil’s evil at the same time.”
So to lament is not lacking faith but a way of expressing faith in light of difficult circumstances. And to that end over the next few weeks we shall look at some of the laments in the book of Psalms,
Bible study: Psalm 10
So today we are going to start with study of 6 Psalms of lament beginning with Psalm 10
Please pause this recording and take some time to read it over and once you have done that we will look at the questions on your handout. I will give my views but yours will be different
Questions for consideration
What jumps off the page at you?
List the attitudes and activities of the wicked in the passage.
What, according to the Psalmist, is God doing/not doing?
Where do you see the truths of this Psalm in your own context?
What activities of God, seen in this Psalm, could we mirror, so that wickedness might be both exposed and opposed?
A question for you to think about in our current situation. Is God hiding and if not where can he be found?
Lament on Psalm 10 “why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”
Take some time over the next week to write a lament to God about the wickedness you encounter in your context. And if you want to share it that is great, if not that is equally fine.
Please email me or message me with any questions or comments and if this style of bible study suits you. If we were all on the same social media format, we could do it live but then we would need to arrange a time suitable for all. We could do a YouTube live chat, or Facebook live or even have a Zoom meeting!
I look forward to hearing from you
Bye for now
Euan
Our mission is to share the love of Jesus Christ in word and in action throughout the parish of Monymusk.
About us>
About us>
Minister
Rev. Euan Glen is minister to the linked charges of Monymusk and Cluny, Clerk to Gordon Presbytery and Chaplain to Monymusk and Cluny Primary Schools and Alford Academy.
More about Euan>
More about Euan>
mainly music
mainly music is to continue during lockdown through an online presence using activities for teh chidlren and Zoom chats for the parents/carers. Please contact Susan or the minister for further details
For further information about the life of our church please checkout our Facebook page. This page is updated each week.https://m.facebook.com/Monymusk-Parish-Church-389013577895520/
Find us:Monymusk Church,
The Square Monymusk AB51 7HJ Rooms for hire:The church vestry and Guild room may be hired for small group meetings or classes.
Contact the minister for details. |
Contact us:
Rev Euan Glen
The Manse
26 St Ninians
Monymusk
Inverurie
AB51 7HF
Tel: 01467 651470
email: GGlen@churchofscotland.org.uk
The Manse
26 St Ninians
Monymusk
Inverurie
AB51 7HF
Tel: 01467 651470
email: GGlen@churchofscotland.org.uk
Monymusk Parish Church of Scotland Scottish Charity No. SCO 04525
