When things get too bad, people are tempted to emigrate,
the Scots have been doing that for generations.
Some people leave society to become a hermit.
Bands of robbers "take to the hills" to avoid the law.
When society changes, when your own values and your
own culture are threatened, you may seek a "New World"
somewhere else.
When you are actually under attack, you need to go to
"the shelter" . In London during WW2 as in Israel today,
people need a place of refuge.
Psalm 11:1 NRSV
In the LORD I take refuge;
how can you say to me,
"Flee like a bird to the mountains."
In Psalm 11 the psalmist makes a statement of confidence.
He feels he should stand fast in the faith that
"the LORD protects those who take refuge in Him."
ISAIAH 54:10 NRSV
For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,
says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
The psalmist is confident because he is a member of God,s
covenant community. Why should he run off to the hills
when he has God,s covenant promises ?
Psalm 46:1-2 KJV
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.
There is no doubt about where the psalmist stands.
As C.S.Lewis points out;
The Lord is righteous and commands righteousness
because He loves righteousness.
He enjoys what is good, because it is good and
because He is good.
Psalm 11:7 New English Bible
For the LORD is just and loves just dealing;
His face is turned towards the upright man.
Psalm 84:11
No good thing does the LORD withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
The God of Israel has his way of dealing with cities
and nations who turn their back on Him.
As individuals we have some responsibility, before God,
for the society in which we live.
If the city has turned it's back on God and has embraced injustice,
we need to discern God's values and share His vision !
the Scots have been doing that for generations.
Some people leave society to become a hermit.
Bands of robbers "take to the hills" to avoid the law.
When society changes, when your own values and your
own culture are threatened, you may seek a "New World"
somewhere else.
When you are actually under attack, you need to go to
"the shelter" . In London during WW2 as in Israel today,
people need a place of refuge.
Psalm 11:1 NRSV
In the LORD I take refuge;
how can you say to me,
"Flee like a bird to the mountains."
In Psalm 11 the psalmist makes a statement of confidence.
He feels he should stand fast in the faith that
"the LORD protects those who take refuge in Him."
ISAIAH 54:10 NRSV
For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,
says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
The psalmist is confident because he is a member of God,s
covenant community. Why should he run off to the hills
when he has God,s covenant promises ?
Psalm 46:1-2 KJV
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.
There is no doubt about where the psalmist stands.
As C.S.Lewis points out;
The Lord is righteous and commands righteousness
because He loves righteousness.
He enjoys what is good, because it is good and
because He is good.
Psalm 11:7 New English Bible
For the LORD is just and loves just dealing;
His face is turned towards the upright man.
Psalm 84:11
No good thing does the LORD withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
The God of Israel has his way of dealing with cities
and nations who turn their back on Him.
As individuals we have some responsibility, before God,
for the society in which we live.
If the city has turned it's back on God and has embraced injustice,
we need to discern God's values and share His vision !
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