Posts Tagged ‘Psalms 19-24’
Scripture reading for June 8th: Psalms 19-24
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” (Psalm 19:1-4)
God broadcasts His glory to all who live on the earth. It does not matter what place on earth we live, from the equator to the polar regions. Our understanding is not based on knowing a language, like Greek or Hebrew, for nature declares God’s glory in every language! The beauty and intricacies of creation speak of a Creator who is mighty and powerful. They shout of a Creator who is intelligent and infinitely beyond us in imagination and ability. They tell us of a God of order and precision from the galaxies to the atoms! Creation, if listened to, leads us to wonder and worship!
“The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.” (Psalm 19:7-9)
God has given a second revelation of His glory to each man. This revelation is called the “Law of the Lord”. This Law is perfect and has life-giving ability. This Law is initially written on the heart of every man in his conscience. (Romans 2:14-15) It was given to Moses for God’s chosen people on Mt. Sinai and it came with glory. In the New Covenant, this Law is written not on stone tablets, but on the tablets of human hearts at the new birth. (Hebrews 10:16) This Law enables us to love God totally and love our neighbor as ourselves. It gives joy to the heart and light to our inner man. This Law of love endures forever and is sure and altogether righteous!
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
Scripture reading for June 8th: Psalms 19-24
God wrote two books: nature and the Bible! Psalm 19 tells of God speaking to all mankind through the glory of His creation! (Psalm 19:1-4) Creation cries out concerning the goodness of God to all people of every language and culture. All mankind draws it’s existence from what God has provided through creation. It is evident to those who will listen and learn that creation did not just ‘happen’. It was created with order and precision that could only come from high intelligence and great wisdom and power. The sun in it’s daily circuit performing it’s duty of warming the earth and providing heat and light with dependable accuracy is but one example of God’s glory!
In addition to nature, God also gave man His law or word. (Psalm 19:7-11) The law of the Lord is perfect and right revealing God’s holiness and glory. Those who will be instructed by it and warned by it will find revival of true life. Light will enter their souls and wisdom for right living will bring joy to each heart. It is truly more precious than pure gold and sweeter to the soul than honey. It is able to discern hidden errors and keep man from willful sins that would cause him to be lost forever from the Lord. The psalmist prays for acceptance of his words and meditations of his heart to the Lord who is his Rock and Redeemer! God truly has spoken our language and understands what man needs and His love has provided it to those who will partake!
Psalm 20 and 21 remind those who trust in the Lord that He will defend and protect them and that they will ultimately triumph over their enemies. Life here on earth is warfare. It often appears that the wicked and our enemies have power and equipment stronger than ours. They trust in ‘chariots and horses’! We, however, trust in the name of the Lord our God! When we do, we will enjoy victory! (Psalm 20:7-8) God is our strength and the source of all victory and blessing! We can only praise Him who will defeat our enemies! (Psalm 21:8-13) We are confident and will stand firm in His unfailing love!
Psalm 23 tells of a great Shepherd, the Lord, who will lead and protect his people. This Shepherd will provide safety and green pastures to His people. They will not need to fear, even when the ‘valley of death’ is ahead of them. God our Shepherd is with us and leads us forward to a table of eternal blessing! Oh, what language of encouragement to God’s own!
Psalm 24 tells of God’s ownership and rulership over all the earth and universe. He is the King of Glory! This King wants all who come to Him to have clean hands and a pure heart! (Psalm 24:3-5) When we go humbly to the Lord and ask for forgiveness, He shows us mercy. He has provided the sacrifice for our sins in His Son, Jesus Christ! The doors of heaven open for the King of Glory! Will you open your heart’s door for this amazing King to come in? (Revelation 3:20)