RR Psalm 46:9-12 (8-11) Part 8

(Early) Shabbat Shalom,

Psalm 46:9 Come, see the works of Adonai, who brings devastations on the earth. 10 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear. He burns chariots with fire. 11 “Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations. I am exalted in the earth.” 12 Adonai-Tzva’ot is with us. The God of Jacob is our strong tower. Selah

“Be still and know!”  As we say at Passover, “Dayenu!!!”  Meaning, “that would be enough for us.”  Why do we say, “We need nothing more than that?”  Because it is in the stillness that God is manifest.  On the third day of the Exodus from Egypt, Moses was following God’s instructions.  He led the people into an obvious trap against the Red Sea.  The people panicked (so named for the false god Pan) and complained to Moses that The One True and Living God was wrong to lead them there.

That wasn’t God’s mistake, that was the people’s mistake.  Notice Moses’ response.  Exodus 14:13a But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid! Stand still, and see the salvation of Adonai, which He will perform for you today.  The first thing Moses tells them is to have faith and stand still.  Then (and only then) will they see the “Yeshuat” (salvation) of Adonai(YHVH).”

Rabbi Trail:  Why did I change the meaning of the text from “Don’t be afraid” to “have faith?”  Because it is not a change at all.  That is what it means to have faith.  Faith and fear never coexist.  “Don’t fear” means “have faith.”  End RT.

The children of Israel were then told to stand still.  Do nothing while you watch God perform the miracle of salvation.  2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some consider slowness. Rather, He is being patient toward you—not wanting anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance.  God has already seen the end, and has set (and is now using) His wonder-working power to accomplish it.  

1Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were “not a people,” but now you are “God’s people.” You were shown “no mercy,” but now you have been shown “mercy.”

Is there any greater wonder in the world than your own salvation?  Yes, you are very special.  God, the creator of the universe has declared it, and He even gave His life to confirm it.  Peter asks the question… 2Peter 3:11b …what kind of people should you be?  And then, he answers his own question… 2Peter 3:11c …Live your lives in holiness and godliness.  Let’s do that as we “be still and know.”  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Fri13-Feb-202626th of Sh'vat, 5786
Ex 23:20-25 2 Ki 11-12Ps 137Jn 11:28-57 (2 Ti 3)