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A Song to Sing Into the Future (Psalm 146)

Ready for Impact

Catch up on how things have been since the last time your Impact Group met. Allow anyone new to introduce themselves. Then ask group members:

  • Where do you think you’ll be this time next year? How does that make you feel?

Over this term we’re looking at a series from the Bible’s song book, the Psalms, as we seek to navigate life together looking to God in the variety of seasons we face.

Ask for a volunteer to read Psalm 146 to the group, praying a short prayer that – however much they’ve come to know Jesus, they’d know him better as a result of your time together.

Watch

Download this video to watch offline or read the transcript here.

Impacted by the Word (15 minutes)

  • What strikes you most about the psalmist’s view of God?
  • Contrast verses 3-4 with verse 6. Why is God more trustworthy than any human leaders?
  • What else does the psalmist highlight about the kind of ruler God is? (verses 7-9)
  • Why do you think praising God helps his people grow in trust of him?
  • Read Luke 4:16-21. Jesus’ words echo Psalm 146. Which of his claims speaks especially to you?

When Jesus walked on earth, He showed us glimpses of the restored world that he promises for those trusting Him. He healed the sick, fed the hungry and brought freedom to the oppressed.

  • How have you glimpsed Jesus’ kingdom in the Christian communities you’ve been part of?

Many of Israel’s prophets foresaw a future king who’d restore the fortunes of His people and lead them into prosperity. Isaiah 9:6-7, Daniel 2:44 and Zechariah 14:9 are just three predictions of his coming.

By the time Jesus was born, the expectation was that this promised leader would crush the Romans and free Jerusalem from foreign rule. In other words, many people were waiting for a powerful leader just like any other. Jesus never met these expectations. In fact, this misunderstanding was part of the reason Jesus was crucified.

As Psalm 146 suggests, Jesus is a radically different king of a radically different kingdom (see Mark 1:14-15). Jesus’ kingdom embraces people from across nationalities and ethnic groups who will worship the one true God as King of kings. All the promises of peace and prosperity associated with his rule are fulfilled as Jesus restores his people to God. We can already enjoy some of the blessings of Jesus’ rule. But there is a future day when that kingdom will be the only one remaining, and every promise will reach complete fullness. That makes Jesus a king worthy of our allegiance like no other.

Impacting Our Hearts (15 minutes)

  • Give individuals time to write down all the things in the year ahead that remain unknown.

Psalm 146 reminds us that everything is within Jesus’ good and eternal reign.

  • Ask group members to draw a circle around these unknowns and outside the circle write: ‘Jesus’ good and eternal reign.’
  • None of us know exactly what the next year will hold, but how can Jesus’ rule be a source of hope and peace to us?

Offer your futures to God, especially placing into God’s hands those who are graduating, facing a difficult summer, or going into a year abroad/in industry.

If you have seekers in your group you may wish to arrange a time to meet them following this study to see where they’re at and if they'd like to read Uncover or try out church.

If you’re able to sing in your group time, why not consider some of the following songs: King of Kings, Lord Reign in Me or His Mercy is More.

Impacting the University (10 minutes)

This psalm, and the surrounding psalms, repeats the phrase, ‘Praise the Lord’. Praising God and thanking Him for all He gives us marks us out as those belonging to Jesus.

One way of conveying thanks to God at the end of the year is to give a gift to someone for whom you are thankful.

  • Who are you thankful to God for this year?
  • What could you give them? (This could as simple as a note or some of your time).
  • How could you convey your thankfulness to God for them?

Pray that God would help you put this into action in the coming week.

Wrap-up – TACOS 🌮

Thank You – Thank everyone for coming, and ask someone to thank God for your time together in prayer.

Ask – Ask those who are new to reading the Bible if they’d like to explore Uncover, a set of sessions in Mark’s Gospel, allowing them to investigate one of the earliest accounts of Jesus’ life alongside one of you.

Church and CU – What does the CU have planned ahead? And what help would group members value in finding a local church?

Others – Who else could you invite to join your CU Impact Group next week? These friends don’t need to be followers of Jesus and may really appreciate being invited.

See You Soon – Tell the group where and when you’ll meet next week, and arrange who will bring snacks. (You might like to alternate healthy and less healthy weeks!). See if anyone would be up for sharing a meal or just hanging out in the meantime!