A Song of Celebration

Message Title: A Song of Celebration
Theme: Songs, Poetry, & Psalms
Season: Ordinary
Main Text: Psalm 66:1-12 OR Psalm 111;
Scripture Reading: Luke 17:11-19
RCL Scripture: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7; Psalm 66:1-12; 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c; Psalm 111; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19
Focus: The Psalmists HAD to celebrate God after witnessing God’s good works.
Function: To find our reasons and methods for celebration
Other Notes:

Blessed Be the Tie: “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above”

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 17:11-19 ¹¹ On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. ¹² As he entered a village, ten men with skin diseases approached him. Keeping their distance from him, ¹³ they raised their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, show us mercy!” ¹⁴ When Jesus saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” As they left, they were cleansed. ¹⁵ One of them, when he saw that he had been healed, returned and praised God with a loud voice. ¹⁶ He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. ¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Weren’t ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? ¹⁸ No one returned to praise God except this foreigner?” ¹⁹ Then Jesus said to him, “Get up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

INTRODUCTION:

1. I’ve really enjoyed the conversation of new parents on the internet on the topic of praising kids. Praise them for their efforts, attitude, and commitment; not for innately existing.
   1. i.e., not saying “Good grade on that test! you’re so smart” but instead saying “Good grade on that test! You studied so hard!”
   1. The discussion pushes at the idea of kids being either good or bad and stuck in whatever circumstance they were given. “I can’t help it I’m not smart!” vs. “I can put the effort into learn new things.”
   1. Either way parents are finding ways to celebrate their kids!
2. My family would get ice cream for good grades
3. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT:
   1. What stirs you to celebrate? (Why do you celebrate)
   1. How do you celebrate?

TRANSITION: Today is the polar opposite of last week’s attitude. Today we are going to investigate celebration; and maybe even do a few silly things in the process.As with last week, I invite you to think of your victories, triumphs, or conquests – big or small—consider the emotion of celebration as we dive into our Psalms today.

TEXT 1: Psalm 66: 1-12

66 Shout joyfully to God, all the earth! ²Sing praises to the glory of God’s name! Make glorious his praise!  ³Say to God: “How awesome are your works! Because of your great strength, your enemies cringe before you. ⁴All the earth worships you, sings praises to you, sings praises to your name!” Selah ⁵Come and see God’s deeds; his works for human beings are awesome: ⁶He turned the sea into dry land so they could cross the river on foot. Right there we rejoiced in him! ⁷God rules with power forever; keeps a good eye on the nations. So don’t let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah ⁸All you nations, bless our God! Let the sound of his praise be heard! ⁹God preserved us among the living; he didn’t let our feet slip a bit. ¹⁰But you, God, have tested us—you’ve refined us like silver, ¹¹trapped us in a net, laid burdens on our backs, ¹²let other people run right over our heads—we’ve been through fire and water.

TEXT 2: Psalm 111

Praise the Lord! I thank the Lord with all my heart in the company of those who do right, in the congregation. ²The works of the Lord are magnificent; they are treasured by all who desire them. ³God’s deeds are majestic and glorious. God’s righteousness stands forever. ⁴God is famous for his wondrous works. The Lord is full of mercy and compassion. ⁵God gives food to those who honor him. God remembers his covenant forever. ⁶God proclaimed his powerful deeds to his people and gave them what had belonged to other nations. ⁷God’s handiwork is honesty and justice; all God’s rules are trustworthy— ⁸they are established always and forever: they are fulfilled with truth and right doing. ⁹God sent redemption for his people; God commanded that his covenant last forever. Holy and awesome is God’s name! ¹⁰Fear of the Lord is where wisdom begins; sure knowledge is for all who keep God’s laws. God’s praise lasts forever!

EXPLAINATION:

1. Psalm 66: author unknown, date unknown
   1. Psalm of prayer & thanksgiving
   1. Vs 1-12 God’s community praises God
   1. Vs 13ff the world praises God
   1. Words to note:
      1. “tested us”- think of examine, study, improve, quality control; not tempted
2. Psalm 111: author unknown, date unknown
   1. Acrostic psalm of wisdom
   1. Paired with Psalm 112
      1. Ps 111 praises God’s works
      1. Ps 112 God’s people mirror God’s works
   1. Words to note:
      1. In KJV “The works of the Lord are TERRIBLE” & “Fear of the Lord”– changing of meanings over centuries
         1. Terribleà awe struck, wonder, amazement
         1. Fearà awe, reverence, amazement, respect

INTERPRETATION:

1. Knowledge of God’s character and God’s actions leads to a response of worship.
   1. Irresistible Grace
   1. Learning about God evokes a response of gratitude
   1. Seeing God act evokes a response of gratitude
   1. Gratitude is a form of worship

APPLICATION: To find our reasons and methods for celebration

1. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: What do you want to celebrate today?
2. A time of celebration: We’re going to test our celebration skills together today! This will be out of your comfort zone but we’re gonna have fun together today!
   1. Pen a Psalm
      1. Praise God
      1. Things I know about God’s character:
         1. Merciful
         1. Just
         1. Loving
      1. Things I know about God’s actions in scripture:
         1. Healing
         1. Redeeming
         1. Reclaiming
      1. Things I know about God from my life:
         1.  
      1. Praise God
   1. Dance party- in place of our benediction and closing song, we will dance with joy before the Lord.
      1. https://youtu.be/ZbZSe6N_BXs Happy by Pharrell Williams
   1. Treats !!

Dance before the Lord and Celebrate His wonderful Works! *QUE MUSIC*