Rev. Don Campbell

Psalms 65-67, 69-70

THOUGHT FOR TODAY, May 12, 2019

“THE TALK OF THE TOWN”

Psalm 69 is one of the three most Messianic psalms, being cited or referenced at least 10 times in the N.T. As you read the psalm you will probably detect many of these and with a good reference Bible, you can read how the passages were used in the N.T.

Today, I want to focus on a passage that is not cited or referenced in the N.T. “I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and drunkards make songs about me? (v.12). From the elite of the community to the town drunks, David was reproached. There is no reason to believe that the same was not true of Jesus.

Whether or not drunkards ever made up songs about Jesus, this passage gives us some insight into society. Paul urges us to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, rather than be filled with wine resulting in debauchery (Ephesians 5:19). While many Christians abhor alcohol, they are quite fond of songs which glorify drinking and fornicating, something for which many of the heroes of the music industry are known.

CONNECTIONS

1. It has been often said, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Has the world, meaning those not born again of the water and the Spirit, really changed since the days of old?

2. I remember a Sunday school teacher who frequently talked of his “wild” days of “drinking and carousing,” which meant drinking and fornicating. His intended warning to young people was lost on them because it seemed to them that he spoke with great regret that he could no longer do those things. Should we ever share with others sins of which they would be unaware if we did not reveal them? What would be the pros and cons?