Praying the Psalms: Psalm 107

Last night our Dining Table worked through the second half of Acts 13. The overwhelming chunk of the passage is Paul’s proclamation of the gospel to the Jews in the synagogue. The rulers of the synagogue invite Paul to speak saying: “if you have any words of encouragement for the people, say it”. Paul needs no more encouragement that than, and off he launches.

Beginning with the Israelites in slavery then in exodus, he recalls their history through to a voice in the wildness calling for repentance to prepare the way for Jesus, He gives context to the person and work of Christ. Then he introduces Jesus: his life, death, resurrection and what that accomplished, secured and promises for each one of us. And then he applies Jesus’ work to them, the assurance of freedom that it brings.

We were talking last night about how we share the gospel. Paul does it contextually, comprehensively and without dilution. No snippets or throwaway lines, but a wide-ranging thorough exposition.

Why am I talking about this without having even mentioning Psalm 107 yet? Well, partly because it’s fresh in my mind and I’m a work in progress when it comes to sharing the gospel. But also because Psalm 107 starts with a reminder of God’s steadfast love before saying: “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story”. The Psalmist invites those congregated for worship tell of the way the Lord has delivered them from their trouble and distress. To testify to the way he satisfies the longing soul and feeds the hungry soul with good things.

Psalm 107 reminds us that we’ve been written into the story of God. We’ve been grafted in to this family through Jesus. And our story should be declared, because it is hope for the hopeless, water for the thirsty and food for the hungry.

Paul mirrors (in many ways) the way that Peter proclaims the gospel in Acts 2, and Stephen in Acts 7. Long, comprehensive stories of the work of God in His people then through Jesus.

I’m not advocating that everytime we open our mouths to bear witness to Jesus it’s a 10 minute monologue/sermon…but our own stories of how Jesus has revealed himself to us our comprehensive too. And the transformation he makes is comprehensive. I think it’s my timidity that stifles my story sometimes, not the lack of material.

Be prepared in and out of season, Paul says. Be prepared to tell your story. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!