Training for Life Redeemed

As we come to the end of book 2 and wrap up the songs and prayers of David we learn how God’s promised king will save his people and bring back the peace and blessings that Adam lost. He will deliver justice and salvation to all nations.

Old age should carry honour for faithfulness and wisdom, but there is also shame as life and body fall apart. Enemies gather like vultures to grab what they can. Looking back, one longs to ensure that the next generation knows the stories of God’s grace and power over a life redeemed.

In old age we reflect on our life with a mixture of highs and low but with a profound sense of thankfulness. King David did not enjoy a happy retirement. David sinned and brought down a great plague on his people. He ended his days bed-ridden and powerless with plots afoot. There were elements of David’s experience that set the pattern for God’s ultimate king, Jesus. This song is cited by NT writers more than any other. In one way or another all of God’s people can expect to face similar challenges. This then becomes their song as the birthdays mount up.

Psalm 67 calls on the world to turn away from wishful thinking and take up God's invitation. In Christ we each have a unique identity and live lives that work and are of eternal significance.

Three thousand years ago David experienced the horrors of war, the release that comes when war is over, and even more so, the restoration of life out of all the damage. In the midst of his celebration, he saw a greater peace coming through a greater king. Now that that king has come, we can sing this song with new depth and relief.

We celebrate the great events of our lives with parties, food, drink, lots of people and singing. How then should we celebrate having our lives redeemed out of death and the gutter, finding ourselves welcomed as members of God's royal family!

God’s residence is also the home of his forever family. It is glorious in its structure and abundant in its productivity. This is the new City of God and Garden of Eden of the future. Royal palaces, and the mansions and estates of the wealthy, are poor substitutes.