Psalm 46 is historically assigned for Reformation Day, which we will observe in worship this coming Sunday. Today I'd like to focus on verse four.
PSALM 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
He utters His voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
The image of a river gladdening God's city probably was inspired by the Pool of Siloam which gathered fresh water for the residents of Jerusalem. Another earthly location where the Most High dwelled with His people was the garden of Eden. Check out Genesis 2:10 to learn of a river there. We are also reminded of an eternal river, which flows from the heavenly temple. You can read of that river in Ezekiel 47:1-12 and Joel 3:18. In each of these, we see the Most High God, making glad and giving life to His people.
Of course, you and I are part of God's people, we're part of the city of God. And this brings to mind another river whose streams make you & me glad. In the cleansing river of your baptism, your sins were washed away and God gave to you saving faith! Your baptism was a life-giving river, rich in grace and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit. What a great river that was!
The best thing is your baptism was not a one-time river, it was not a one-time bath. God's great river of forgiveness washes you clean of your sins every single time you pray to God and confess your sins! Martin Luther puts it this way in the Small Catechism: by daily contrition & repentance, the Old Adam in us is drowned and dies with all sins and evil desires. The new person [YOU!] then daily arises, washed clean and living before God in righteousness and purity forever. Wow, that's a great river!
So today, join me in giving thanks and taking another daily cleansing bath in God's Great river forgiveness!
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