Grow Guide | Oct 27, 2024
Offer to God
Reading: Psalm 46:1-7
Connecting Question
Tell about a time you needed to take shelter in a basement or a storm shelter.
Are you an outside person? Why or why not?
Prayer for Illumination
Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.
Context
This sermon series, we will reflect on Psalm 50:14, “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High”. For 4 weeks, one verse will celebrate and focus on what each of us might ‘Offer to God’. We are called to live and serve sacrificially. Through it all, God’s love is sure and steady no matter what. The whole psalm reminds the people that not only does God delight in our celebrations, but they’re necessary to connect us to our joy in God. We recognize that our offerings, our returning to God what God first gave, also does God’s work in the world. Join us on this journey of faith.
From Dr Fred Gaiser at EntertheBible.org:
The psalms are, first and foremost, poems and should be read as such–enjoying the figurative and metaphorical language, the emotional and rhythmic character, and the expansive and evocative style that invite the reader, as Martin Luther said, to “find in it [the Psalter] also yourself…as well as God himself and all creatures” (Luther’s Works 35:257). Second, the psalms are poems that were, for the most part, meant to be sung; they are the hymns and liturgies of the temple from which we learn about Israel’s worship and which now serve as elements of present worship. Third, these poems and prayers have been read since antiquity for meditation and instruction, by individuals and communities. They continue to offer solace–providing words of comfort and hope, lamentation and praise.
Look at the Book
Tell about a familiar psalm.
Tell about a favorite song. Why? Compare that song to a psalm. How are they similar or different?
Many psalms have a dedication or inscription. What is it for this psalm? The “alamoth” is an instrument that no one can remember. What is an item you grew up with that is no longer being used?
Psalm 46 opens with a clear promise. What is God being compared to?
Find a cranberry hymnal or google hymn “ELW 504.” Psalm 46 is the inspiration. Where have you sung that hymn before?
What “promise” words belong to God in verse 1? The first one is shelter or “a mighty fortress.” What others?
In what ways have you experienced God’s help when needed? Tell about a time you might have wished for more help.
Verse 2 starts with a turn, “therefore.” Because God has promised to be our strength, “therefore” how are we invited to respond?
The message “do not fear” appears in the Bible 365 times. Why do you think that is?
Verses 3 and four lean on nature imagery. Does that speak to you? Why or why not? What types of storms are conjured up by those words?
Verse 4 is another turn. What water image is used to contrast to “raging seas” of verses 3-4?
Verse 8 is key. If you are feeling like you are battling something in your life, how is this verse good news?
This Sunday, we also celebrate the Lutheran Reformation. One key invention at this time was movable type—the printing press. Luther translated the Bible into the language everyday people—who could read—were able to understand. Someone translated this psalm from Hebrew into English! What has access to the Bible done for people? What is still inaccessible at church do you think?
Why is verse 7 important in this season?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
Taking it Home
Who needs to hear the good news of verse 8? Why? What’s one way you can share the words of the psalm? Or live the words of the psalm for someone?
God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.