November 5, 2006 | Author: Bob Walls  

Cry Out for Deliverance From Death

“The cords of death entangled me ...Then I called ... ‘O Lord save me!’ ”
Psalm 116:3-4

We find no explicit declaration of author or historical setting for this psalm.   It may have been inspired by an incident such as when King Hezekiah literally wept before God to spare his life. (Isa 38)  This psalm was used in Jewish liturgy, along with several others,  in celebrations of the Passover.  It was read or sung after the Passover meal.  So, to those celebrants, this psalm seems to recall the drama and passions accompanying the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage.  Picture scenes like blood on the doorposts, the passover lamb, and Israel escaping the pursuing Pharoah through the waters of the Red Sea in the presence of God.

May we suggest that the exodus of Israel foreshadowed, not only the scene of Jesus on the cross as our Passover Lamb, but also what that sacrifice made possible - our own exodus from the bondage of sin and death as we passed through the waters of baptism.  Visualize all three dramas unfolding under the same Holy Presence.

While bearing our sins and God’s judgment, Jesus completed his personal journey as a human - he died a physical death.  From the cross He cried out to God for deliverance.  In all respects he has demonstrated the Way of God’s deliverance from death (both physical and spiritual).

Pre-Class Assignment

Read Psalm 116 at least three times, as follows:

1) as if you were a Jew celebrating the Passover and the exodus.

2) while considering which verses might represent the cries of Jesus on the cross, and

3) while remembering your own conversion and salvation, consider which verses might apply before, during and after your baptism.

4) You might want to read Ps 116 to see how it could be helpful to those troubled by thoughts of physical death (note especially verse 15 along with Isaiah 57:1-2).

Supplementary Readings:

Psalms 6, 27 and 46 (Note the similarities in #6 and #116. )

Suggested Readings in Class

For reading Ps 116 in class we suggest assigning 6 different readers the following sets of verses (in parentheses).  These assignments should be read in succession, without interruption:  (1,2}, (3,4), (5,6), (7-9), (12-14) and (16-19).  Alternatively, everyone might read verses 7-9, in unison.

If there is time, read the confident expressions of the saved in these verses from Psalm 27: (1), (3), (4,5), (7-9), (11), (13) & (14) and also from Psalm 46: (1,2), (7), (10) & (11).

Questions for Discussion:

For some psalms it is generally accepted that there is more than one relevant and intended theme.  For example, the so-called messianic psalms apply both to David’s and to Jesus’ experiences.  Several themes that might be particularly relevant for certain individuals have been suggested for Psalm 116.  It doesn’t seem to me to be either inconceivable or irreverent to assume that the implanted Word would blossom into a distinctly unique and beautiful fulfillment in each individual heart.  So, the potential delights from sharing tastes of these verses seem virtually limitless.  Keep this in mind while considering the following questions.

1) In time of need, to whom or to what do you first turn?

2) Are you as acutely aware of immediate danger as are the psalmists?  Is it only the threats of the physical world that grab your attention?   Are you as alert as you should be to the deadly dangers accompanying the spiritual warfare that swirls about us?  Who or what are our enemies?  CF Eph 6:12

3) Consider how the author of Psalm 116 expressed his gratitude for deliverance.  Compare that to your own habits of worship and adoration of the Savior.

4) Consider the several verses of Psalms 27 & 46 that describe the bravery and confidence exhibited by these psalmists who have known the deliverance and protection of their God.  How can you internalize their spirit to help you practice and prefect your own walk with the Lord?

5) It is God’s intent that Christians be freed from the fear of death.  In what ways is this to empower the followers of Jesus?  CF John 8:32;  Rev 2:10,13

6) Consider ‘the land of the living’ (Ps 116: 6,7 and also Ps 27:13).  Is this ‘land of the living’ a current experience for Christians or only one in prospect (or is it both)?  CF Jn 5:24; 1 Jn 3:14

7) When considering the theme of 116 as an analogy to our deliverance from sin and death by way of baptism, comment on the relevance of several  verses in Romans 6: 2-14.

8) Jesus said he had a choice in his death (see John 10:17-18).  How is it that we, also, can choose to die before we die physically (in which we have no choice)?  (Mk 8:35 & Jn 14:4-6).

9) Consider Ps 116:6.  Which of the beatitudes (Mt 5:3-12) does this thought most resemble?

10) Ps 116:16 might be expressed as “Why I am your servant by birth - my mother was your servant!”   How does this speak to the blessings of being part of a family of faithful servants of God (either in the usual sense, such as a child or parent or as a member of the church family)?

Blessing:

” Wait for the Lord;  be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”  Ps 27:14