When my Parents-in-law lived and worked in Jerusalem about 30 years ago. They often went on archaeological walks with Father Jerry Murphy O’Connor who was a knowledgeable Catholic Monk from the same family as Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor. One of the best of these ‘walks’ was deep beneath the Old City of Jerusalem to explore Hezekiah’s Tunnel. King Hezekiah was one of David’s successors. He was also a godly man. He had a tunnel built from hidden natural springs outside the walls of Jerusalem and brought underground through a rock carved tunnel right into the Old City of Jerusalem. No fortress or refuge is safe without a good source of water. Perhaps this is a good metaphor for the Nation or King that respects and watches for God? Without living water, a fortress cannot be a refuge. Water is a fortress’ lifeblood. Just as faith in God and His steadfast love is the lifeblood of a Godly King and a Godly Nation.
But where does this Psalm fit with Jesus’ teaching? Surely Jesus told us that we should love our enemies? He told us that we should turn the other cheek. However – if we look harder, we can see that Jesus did have enemies that he recognized. He was angry and against religious people who created rules and laws that they did not follow. He is against all forms of hypocrisy and greed. He is particularly protective of children. He said: “If any of you put a stumbling block before any of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck, and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Jesus was clear that in the world he had enemies who would use their evil ways to destroy the good of the Kingdom of God. He was clear that we as Christians would find people who would do their worst and try to undermine our Christian faith. And it is into that holy battle between good and evil that the anthem – Onward Christian Soldiers calls us to arm ourselves for the fight.
“Christ, the royal master, leads his armies on forward into battle till the fight is won!
David asked God to punish all the nations who treacherously plotted evil. And one day Jesus will be the judge of the Nations. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that:
“All the Nations will be gathered before him and he will separate one people from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
Jesus’ judgement goes beyond the law – it includes the way we treat anyone who is hungry or thirsty. It includes our willingness to confess and own our Christian faith. And Jesus’ Covenant is a promise – and invitation for the people of all Nations – not just the people of Israel.
What in your view is the most beautiful anthem? I have a personal favourite. It is J.S. Bach’s beautiful anthem – “Zion hears the watchmen’s voices.” And a deep theme of this Psalm is David’s watchfulness. He waited on the Lord. He relied on the Lord for Justice. He listened for God’s response to his Prayer. The great builder of Jerusalem was also a watchman of the building of Zion – God’s Holy City.
“I will watch for you; for you, O God, are my fortress.”
And so this morning as we hear the echo of –‘It’s coming home’’ for the rest of the day. We ask that we may also draw strength from the good fight for Christ’s Church across the world. May the good win and the evil be “consumed until it is no more.” Amen