Psalm 8:1-9 (ESV) To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of David. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. [2] Out of the mouth of babes and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. [3] When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, [4] what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? [5] Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. [6] You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, [7] all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, [8] the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. [9] O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
This psalm can be mistakenly seen as exalting the role of man within the creation. Yes, it shows our high place within the creation order and our responsibility to the cultural mandate, but this psalm is not about the high place of man, but the High and Exalted Lord and God of the Universe. It is a psalm that puts man in his place and God in His.
David begins and ends this psalm with the same appeal to the great, majestic name of God. He is a God known to the entire earth because the creation declares His glory. His name is proclaimed by even the most simple of us. His name is proclaimed in the victory over His and our enemies. It is only by understanding the majesty of God that we truly see our place: “what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”
Yet the majesty of His name in all the earth and God’s care for us come together in the work of Jesus Christ. It is in Jesus Christ that the fullness of God’s majesty is made known in all the earth. As the gospel goes forth to every tribe, tongue, and nation, God’s majesty is proclaimed. As the gospel goes out His care for the son of man is seen.
How then ought we pray? (1) That His name truly be majestic in all the earth. That the gospel of Jesus Christ would make its way into lands which have never heard the name of Jesus Christ, and that lands who once flourished as beacons for the gospel would once again shine the majesty of God forth from their midst. (2) That we would be caught up in the majesty of God. (3) For the coming of the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
PSALM 7
Psalm 7:1-17 (ESV) A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjaminite. O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, [2] lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver. [3] O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is wrong in my hands, [4] if I have repaid my friend with evil or plundered my enemy without cause, [5] let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it, and let him trample my life to the ground and lay my glory in the dust. Selah [6] Arise, O Lord, in your anger; lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies; awake for me; you have appointed a judgment. [7] Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered about you; over it return on high. [8] The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. [9] Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous— you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God! [10] My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. [11] God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day. [12] If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow; [13] he has prepared for him his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts. [14] Behold, the wicked man conceives evil and is pregnant with mischief and gives birth to lies. [15] He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made. [16] His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends. [17] I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
Once again David is beseeching God in a time of trouble. He approaches God over the “words of Cush, a Benjaminite.” We are unsure who this person was, but we can infer from the contents of this Psalm that this a person who opposes David in a vicious manner. In verse 2 David says “lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver.” This likely calls to the Christian’s mind the same language used of the Devil regarding us in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (ESV)
In the course of his pleading, David appeals to his innocence in the matter at hand. In verses 3 and 4, he calls upon God to search him out to see if he has done any wrong, and if so, to then punish. He continues that theme in verse 8, “The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.” This verses sounds problematic to the Christian ear when failing to consider the context, but remember David is not talking about his ultimate righteousness, but his righteous actions in the given circumstance.
David then calls upon God’s justice to be revealed. He calls upon him arise and implement justice, to come to his aid, not only his but the entire ‘assembly of the peoples.’ David leaves justice, judgment, and retribution up to God. This was characteristic of David’s prayer life and well as his practice. On two occasions at least, David refused to kill Saul even though he had clear opportunity.
Before we flee to God seeking retribution for the wrongs we have suffered, let us be careful to make sure there is no fault in ourselves. We may only confidently call on God as our shield and avenger during these times when we have acted uprightly. Let this be a call to us to act uprightly toward others, to be honest, fair, and righteous regardless of whom we are dealing with.
Let us also be reminded of our destructive enemy, Satan. He will seek our destruction through his action, and our downfall through slander and lies. We must be ever conscious of the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for us as he seeks to bring us down. Let us call on our advocate and defender Jesus Christ to plead our case against the accuser. Let us call upon our God, our refuge and shield to hold us safe in the attack. We can be sure that the attacks will come. We can even be sure that they will be vicious and painful to us. But we can also be assured that “My shield is with God who saves the upright heart.” Not upright because of our innocence, for we are not innocent, but because of the righteousness and blood of Jesus Christ.
Once again David is beseeching God in a time of trouble. He approaches God over the “words of Cush, a Benjaminite.” We are unsure who this person was, but we can infer from the contents of this Psalm that this a person who opposes David in a vicious manner. In verse 2 David says “lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver.” This likely calls to the Christian’s mind the same language used of the Devil regarding us in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (ESV)
In the course of his pleading, David appeals to his innocence in the matter at hand. In verses 3 and 4, he calls upon God to search him out to see if he has done any wrong, and if so, to then punish. He continues that theme in verse 8, “The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.” This verses sounds problematic to the Christian ear when failing to consider the context, but remember David is not talking about his ultimate righteousness, but his righteous actions in the given circumstance.
David then calls upon God’s justice to be revealed. He calls upon him arise and implement justice, to come to his aid, not only his but the entire ‘assembly of the peoples.’ David leaves justice, judgment, and retribution up to God. This was characteristic of David’s prayer life and well as his practice. On two occasions at least, David refused to kill Saul even though he had clear opportunity.
Before we flee to God seeking retribution for the wrongs we have suffered, let us be careful to make sure there is no fault in ourselves. We may only confidently call on God as our shield and avenger during these times when we have acted uprightly. Let this be a call to us to act uprightly toward others, to be honest, fair, and righteous regardless of whom we are dealing with.
Let us also be reminded of our destructive enemy, Satan. He will seek our destruction through his action, and our downfall through slander and lies. We must be ever conscious of the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for us as he seeks to bring us down. Let us call on our advocate and defender Jesus Christ to plead our case against the accuser. Let us call upon our God, our refuge and shield to hold us safe in the attack. We can be sure that the attacks will come. We can even be sure that they will be vicious and painful to us. But we can also be assured that “My shield is with God who saves the upright heart.” Not upright because of our innocence, for we are not innocent, but because of the righteousness and blood of Jesus Christ.
Friday, May 11, 2007
PSALM 6
Psalm 6 – Henry Law (lightly edited, using the ESV)
Here godly sorrow changes into godly joy. May we so mourn that we too may be comforted!
Psalm 6:1 (ESV)
O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath.
Seasons recur when sense of sin and bodily distress cast into lowest depths. God's anger threatens to descend in fury. The furnace of displeasure seems to burn terribly. If faith shall fail, despair must overwhelm the soul. But amid terrors faith survives; it knows its refuge and looks above. It does not doubt that God still loves. When frowns become heavy on the brow it pleads, 'Let not this chastening destroy; let not the flames devour.'
2. "Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
The fainting flesh desires sympathy. The anguish preys upon the total frame. Sickness of soul reduces every power. Prayer is redoubled. Constant cries besiege the throne of grace. Misery calls mercy to arise. Disease implores the heavenly healer's aid. Blessed is the anguish which flees thus to God.
3. "My soul is greatly troubled; but O Lord,- how long?"
Sorrow of soul is sorrow's fullest cup. All other bitterness is light beside it. The mourning days drag heavily; no dawn appears to chase away night's shade. The moan is heard, "How long, O Lord! how long?" He who would read the deepest lessons of these words must go with Jesus to the garden and the cross. By imputation He is made the sin of sin. Mountains on mountains of iniquity meet on Him. Unspeakably tremendous is the load; unspeakably tremendous is the wrath incurred. By His own consent receiving our vicarious guilt. Just anger thickens around Him. He feels the horrors of His place. Prostrate in misery, He cries, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death." Anguish cries, "My God, my God! why have You forsaken Me?" The curse may not spare Him. Great is the mystery, but it is our salvation.
4. "Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love."
The sweetest joy is holy fellowship with God. It is heaven's foretaste to see His smile and hear the whispers of His love. To realize this oneness is faith's privilege. But when this presence is withdrawn, when mists obscure this sun, the soul can find no other comfort. There cannot be a substitute for God. There is no rest while sad desertion lasts. It is perdition's wretchedness. The sinking soul craves mercy. It agonizes; "Return, deliver, save!"
5. "For in death there is no remembrance of You; in Sheol who shall give You thanks?"
There is fear that sorrow's weight should snap the thread of life. Then the means to tell of God's love, to speak of Christ, to sound His praise, to call poor sinners to His cross, to spread abroad His power to save, would forever cease. Let us prize and wisely use continued health and length of days. They are a precious talent. In bringing others to salvation's road, we rise in heaven ourselves.
6, 7. "I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes.
The picture of the sin-frightened soul becomes more dark. Outward expressions of deep woe abound; sighs rack the heart; tears flow in abundant streams; luster no longer sparkles in the eye; this bitter grief writes old age on the brow. We see how terrible an enemy is sin. When viewed apart from Christ, it is intolerable woe. What must it be in hell! Let us bless Christ with every breath. He is the Lamb of God, who takes it all away.
8, 9. "Depart from, me, all you workers of evil; for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer."
The scene is changed. Light brightly shines; the shades of night have vanished. Mercy descends with healing on its wings. The groans are exchanged for songs of joy. We see the all-prevailing power of prayer. In darkest days let it take heaven by storm. It grasps Jehovah's arm. It clings until all blessings are given. Renewed favors strengthen the confidence that foes shall not prevail. Away! depart! No business will I have with you. Answers to prayer stir up resolves to persevere. The suppliants who prosper are encouraged to pray more. Success begets continuance.
10. " All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.”
The Spirit here gives comfort to all harassed saints. The language is prophetic. It runs through time; it shadows out the final scene. Shame and displeasure are treasured up for the ungodly. They sowed the seeds of evil; they must reap the harvest of confusion. It is hard to kick against the goads. The concluding words delightfully reveal our Lord. We see manifestations of His power and triumphs. Before His eye His enemies recoil and fall backwards. In His extreme anguish an angel flies to raise and strengthen. Soon will the universe be witness to the mandate, "Depart, you cursed ones, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." May we so suffer with Him, that we may reign together.
Here godly sorrow changes into godly joy. May we so mourn that we too may be comforted!
Psalm 6:1 (ESV)
O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath.
Seasons recur when sense of sin and bodily distress cast into lowest depths. God's anger threatens to descend in fury. The furnace of displeasure seems to burn terribly. If faith shall fail, despair must overwhelm the soul. But amid terrors faith survives; it knows its refuge and looks above. It does not doubt that God still loves. When frowns become heavy on the brow it pleads, 'Let not this chastening destroy; let not the flames devour.'
2. "Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
The fainting flesh desires sympathy. The anguish preys upon the total frame. Sickness of soul reduces every power. Prayer is redoubled. Constant cries besiege the throne of grace. Misery calls mercy to arise. Disease implores the heavenly healer's aid. Blessed is the anguish which flees thus to God.
3. "My soul is greatly troubled; but O Lord,- how long?"
Sorrow of soul is sorrow's fullest cup. All other bitterness is light beside it. The mourning days drag heavily; no dawn appears to chase away night's shade. The moan is heard, "How long, O Lord! how long?" He who would read the deepest lessons of these words must go with Jesus to the garden and the cross. By imputation He is made the sin of sin. Mountains on mountains of iniquity meet on Him. Unspeakably tremendous is the load; unspeakably tremendous is the wrath incurred. By His own consent receiving our vicarious guilt. Just anger thickens around Him. He feels the horrors of His place. Prostrate in misery, He cries, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death." Anguish cries, "My God, my God! why have You forsaken Me?" The curse may not spare Him. Great is the mystery, but it is our salvation.
4. "Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love."
The sweetest joy is holy fellowship with God. It is heaven's foretaste to see His smile and hear the whispers of His love. To realize this oneness is faith's privilege. But when this presence is withdrawn, when mists obscure this sun, the soul can find no other comfort. There cannot be a substitute for God. There is no rest while sad desertion lasts. It is perdition's wretchedness. The sinking soul craves mercy. It agonizes; "Return, deliver, save!"
5. "For in death there is no remembrance of You; in Sheol who shall give You thanks?"
There is fear that sorrow's weight should snap the thread of life. Then the means to tell of God's love, to speak of Christ, to sound His praise, to call poor sinners to His cross, to spread abroad His power to save, would forever cease. Let us prize and wisely use continued health and length of days. They are a precious talent. In bringing others to salvation's road, we rise in heaven ourselves.
6, 7. "I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes.
The picture of the sin-frightened soul becomes more dark. Outward expressions of deep woe abound; sighs rack the heart; tears flow in abundant streams; luster no longer sparkles in the eye; this bitter grief writes old age on the brow. We see how terrible an enemy is sin. When viewed apart from Christ, it is intolerable woe. What must it be in hell! Let us bless Christ with every breath. He is the Lamb of God, who takes it all away.
8, 9. "Depart from, me, all you workers of evil; for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer."
The scene is changed. Light brightly shines; the shades of night have vanished. Mercy descends with healing on its wings. The groans are exchanged for songs of joy. We see the all-prevailing power of prayer. In darkest days let it take heaven by storm. It grasps Jehovah's arm. It clings until all blessings are given. Renewed favors strengthen the confidence that foes shall not prevail. Away! depart! No business will I have with you. Answers to prayer stir up resolves to persevere. The suppliants who prosper are encouraged to pray more. Success begets continuance.
10. " All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.”
The Spirit here gives comfort to all harassed saints. The language is prophetic. It runs through time; it shadows out the final scene. Shame and displeasure are treasured up for the ungodly. They sowed the seeds of evil; they must reap the harvest of confusion. It is hard to kick against the goads. The concluding words delightfully reveal our Lord. We see manifestations of His power and triumphs. Before His eye His enemies recoil and fall backwards. In His extreme anguish an angel flies to raise and strengthen. Soon will the universe be witness to the mandate, "Depart, you cursed ones, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." May we so suffer with Him, that we may reign together.
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