Title Psalm 46:1-11
Perhaps the biggest concern that is drawing the attention of people around the world right now is the US military response to the terrorist Osama bin Laden, his organization, and all the forces that defend them or are in solidarity with them. Not long ago, we were able to witness a truly astonishing event on TV and in the newspapers. A passenger plane hijacked by terrorists crashed into two twin skyscrapers in New York, one of the tallest buildings in the world, and crashed into them one by one. It turned to dust and disappeared. An event that is more cinematic than a movie and more fictional than a novel has happened while the world is watching as reality. It wasn't just that. Simultaneously, another plane hit and hit the Department of Defense building, inflicting heavy damage and damage, while another plane crashed into a nearby area while rushing towards the US President's seat. Once confirmed, there were instantly hundreds of thousands of victims.
What the United States suffered was not just huge casualties and economic losses. America's pride has been shattered. Immediately, the expression "The Second Pearl Harbor" came out. The attack on Pearl Harbor was the most humiliating incident for the United States, so it may have been called "the second Pearl Harbor," but in fact, this attack on the political, economic, and military heartland of the US mainland was much bigger and more serious than the attack on the distant island of Pearl Harbor. I think it will This terrifyingly detailed, incredibly large and powerful terrorism is more than ridiculing the United States, which was pushing for the establishment of the MD system, and the American pride has been damaged to such an extent that it is difficult to recover.
"Where is our refuge?" Today's text gives the answer to our question three times over and over again. From the very beginning of verse 1, “God is our refuge.” At the end of verse 7 it says, “The God of Jacob is our refuge.” The last verse ends with the words, “The God of Jacob is our refuge.” Through this psalm, the Israelites confess God as the Lord of nature and history. And we praise God, the Lord of all nature, nations, and history, for being with them, being their strength, and helping them in any tribulation. Israel’s trust in verse 1, “God is our refuge and strength, a great help in trouble” and verses 7 and 11, “The Lord of hosts is with us, and the God of Jacob is our refuge.” This is the point of Psalm 46.
Verses 2-3 express that trust by saying that they will not be afraid even if the earth, the mountains, and the sea are shaken, and the heavens and the earth are opened. We will not be afraid when they are born and leap, though the mountains are shaken by their overflowing." In this way, the Israelites firmly believe that God will be their safe haven in the midst of any natural disaster.
Verses 4-6 confirm that trust by saying that the city of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel will be safe as long as all nations are clamoring and threatening as long as God, the Lord of Israel and all the nations, is with them: He rejoices in the sanctuary of the Most High; God is in the midst of it, and the city will not be shaken; at dawn God will help. "There is a brook that flows and makes the city of God, the sanctuary of the Most High, happy" is not exposed to the outside, and because of the spring water flowing through the underground waterway, the city of Jerusalem can withstand the siege of the enemy. say you can “God will help you in the morning” means that you can feel reassured because God protects you from dawn, even at dawn, even when everyone is sleeping, and even when there is a danger of being attacked. In this way, they are revealing that God is their safe refuge in the midst of political and military crises.
Verses 8-9 show their trust in God by declaring the sovereignty of the Lord God and the works of his power, whether over nature or in warfare between nations: "Come, see the works of the LORD, he He hath made the earth a waste; He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; He breaks bows, cuts spears, and sets chariots with fire. “He made the earth a wasteland” means that God is sovereign over the earth as well. “He makes war cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks bows, cuts spears, and sets chariots with fire.” This means that God is the master of war, and He is the only one who puts an end to war, establishes peace, and keeps the nation and people safe. is to say God alone is always our refuge.
Verse 10 concludes with what men are to do: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted in the nations, and I will be exalted in the world." "Stay still" means not trying to solve problems with war while driving a chariot with swords and spears, but to throw away all weapons and ponder where the path to true peace and well-being lies. Next, “Know that I am God” means to realize that God is the only God, the Lord of nature, history, and the peace and well-being of all nations.
At this time, the United States has gathered an enormous military force to the coast near Afghanistan, and Afghanistan is also raising the voice of a decisive battle. Not only the two countries, but also countries around the world are busy making calculations in search of solidarity that is more favorable to their country, being forced to either stand on the side of the United States or on the side of Islam. No one fears that they will be victims of war or terrorism, or economic retaliation.