How shall we sing the LORD’s Song? Psalm 137

Background A psalm in Babylonian captivity Probably penned around 586-536 BC A psalm of remembrance and contemplation It ends as an imprecatory psalm

Consequences (1-3) Weeping in Babylon, remembering Zion. Perhaps thinking of why this happened. Did they take it for granted? But now it is all gone! They are in a foreign land, subject to ungodly enemies and limited as to what they can do religiously

Consequences (1-3) May we NEVER find ourselves in this state! Do not neglect our salvation or spiritual growth (Hebrews 2:3) Churches can become complacent or oblivious to troubles. They may ignore dangers. Then suddenly something devastating happens! Acts 20:28-30, Rev. 3:1-3, 15-17, 2:1-5, etc.

Consequences (1-3) Whatever the cause, such calamity brings about sadness and weeping. Why? Could it be examination? – We assess and see our failures. We realize what we SHOULD have done & regret! NOTE: Whether or not such happens may depend upon our diligent efforts – Hebrews 5:12- 6:1, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, etc.

Consequences (1-3) Vs. 2-3 – possibly captors taunting them, or flippantly requesting to be entertained. Today, enemies will rejoice at our failures, devastation, divisions, etc. Sometime they institute the disasters, but we have failed to prepare to resist them. Sometimes, weak brethren simply WONT’ stand up for their faith and the Lord! Such matters humble and humiliate us!

Consequences (1-3) NOTE: Remembering is associated with the past Sometimes it is good to remember, cf. 1 Timothy 1:12- 15, 1 Corinthians 15:9 BUT, in remembering, even our failures, let us NOT dwell on it! The “good old days” are gone! NOTE: Is it possible we exaggerate? (Exodus 14:11-13, Num. 14:1-4) Ecclesiastes 7:10

How shall we sing? (4-6) Consider again the disposition where one is unable to sing (rejoice, celebrate, etc.) Consider the psalms of Ascents – no longer able to do that! Only in Jerusalem, certain acts of worship could be done! This was a sign God was not with them Simply depths of despair realizing the disaster keeps us from singing!

How shall we sing? (4-6) WHEN we take our faith or the faith of others for granted, or the church – and now it is gone, claimed by the evil one – there is a bitter taste of realization This is when sadness and mourning occurs – we don’t feel like rejoicing, and it is not appropriate (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:4, Romans 12:15, James 5:13)

How shall we sing? (4-6) Resolve (5-6) If I forget you,… The past cannot be reclaimed BUT, you can repent and learn from it. You can resolve to not let it happen again! Acts 8:22, 2 Corinthians 7:10-11

How shall we sing? (4-6) Resolve (5-6) Do we take our faith and our love for the Lord’s church seriously? We must continually be sober and alert. Are we ready to problems when they appear? ARE we ready to be held accountable? Psalm 84:10 Psalm 26:2-3

Imprecation (7-9) Imprecatory – calling of a curse. A call for God to punish and inflict upon His enemies. Edom – condemned for rejoicing at Judah’s destruction! Obadiah 10-14, Ezekiel 25:12-14, etc. Babylon – the destroyer of Jerusalem

Imprecation (7-9) Imprecatory – we ought to leave such judgments to God While they seem harsh and imply an ungodly attitude, that is not necessarily true. We are putting it in God’s hands – Galatians 1:8-9, 5:12, 2 Timothy 4:14

Do God and let God make judgment - Remember Romans 12:12-19 Imprecation (7-9) But we must never what our attitude is to be: Love you neighbor, and even your enemies – Matthew 22:39, 5:44-46 Do God and let God make judgment - Remember Romans 12:12-19

May we never reach the point where we weep for the Lord’s ways because of our neglect!