Today’s reading is Psalm 53.
On July 9, 1965, Motown records released “It’s the Same Old Song” performed by the Four Tops. The group mourned their lost love. More than that, they tormented themselves by repeatedly listening to the song that had once been their special love song. Now that the subject of their love had left, the exact same song had new meaning. In one context, the song was a wonderful reminder and expression of how great their love is and what a special connection they shared. In another context, it became a painful reminder of what has been lost. In one setting, the song produced joy. In another, it produced tears.
That is exactly how it works with psalms and poems. In one context, it can have one meaning and one result. In another context, it can make us look in an entirely new direction. That is what is happening as Psalm 53 almost perfectly repeats Psalm 14.
However, there is one compelling difference. There are other minor differences, but one majorly significant one. As Psalm 14 rebukes the fool for living as if there is no God, vs. 5-6 rebukes the wicked for shaming the poor and reminds the fool the Lord will take care of and deliver the one who takes refuge in the Him. Psalm 53 doesn’t contain this rebuke and reminder. Rather, in vs. 5, it says there was a people who were terrified when they had no cause to be. Because God has already rejected the wicked and destroyed those who encamp against His people.
As we consider these verses, we can sense the context of the singing of this same old song is different. In the Psalm 14 context, the wicked have confidence, things seem to be going their way. However, in Psalm 53, deliverance has happened for the righteous already. Suddenly the same old song about the fool who ignores God in his life takes on new meaning.
In the one context, this song about the fool is one of faith in what is coming. In the other, it is one of experience of what has passed. Psalm 53 takes up the original song, but in so doing actually responds to the original psalm. The second singing explains that the first singing was 100% true. It happened just as was sung. God delivers.
Frankly, hasn’t this very issue been what we have seen all the way along this year in the psalms? These songs meant one thing when they were written. But now in the context of Jesus Christ, they mean something else. We sing these same old songs, but they have a different meaning now that Jesus has come.
Praise the Lord!
Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 53.
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Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family
- What are your initial reactions to the psalm and the written devo above?
- Are there any songs that have changed meaning for you over time or in new circumstances?
- Try to think in the two circumstances stated in the post above. How would you hear this psalm about the fool if you were surrounded by attacking enemies who seemed to have the upper hand? How would you hear this psalm if those same enemies had just been defeated?
- Throughout this year, what have you learned about how these psalms take on new meaning when we consider they were written before Jesus Christ came, but now He has come, He has died, He has been resurrected?
- What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this psalm and today’s post?
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