The Daily Office for February 17, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 102
Genesis 32:22-33:17
1 John 3:1-10
John 10:31-42
Reading (Psalm 102)
Reflection
The inscription for Psalm 102 is entirely unique among the psalms. It reads, "Do Not Hide Your Face from Me: A Prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord." This title stands alone among those prefixed to the Psalms. It describes the character of the psalm and marks the circumstances under which it was given. In all other inscriptions there is either a musical or an historical notation.
Three major opinions prevail respecting the time of composition for this psalm. Some hold that it was written after the return of Ezra with the command to rebuild the Temple and thus relates to the state of affairs mentioned in Nehemiah 1:3–11. In this case the author is probably Nehemiah, Ezra, or some contemporary. Others view the psalm as having been written during the later time of the captivity. Accordingly, both Jeremiah and Daniel have been suggested as the author. Others view the psalm as entirely prophetic, relating to no historical situation and therefore probably written by David.
Regardless, Psalm 102 is clearly Messianic and points directly to Jesus Christ. That this ode is messianic is determined by the inscription itself. And, in Hebrews 1:10–12, the author directly applies to Jesus Christ verses 25–27 of this psalm. The author’s intent is clearly to show that the Son of God is above the angels and that He alone is our source of salvation and He alone is worthy of our daily offerings of praise.
Collect for the Day
God of truth, whose servant Janani Luwum walked in the light, and in his death defied the powers of darkness: free us from fear of those who kill the body, that we too may walk as children of light, through him who overcame darkness by the power of the cross, Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.