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Bible Pathways 7/14/2001



July 14

Read Psalms 108 -- 118

When Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven, He fulfilled the prophecy which the Holy Spirit inspired David to write: The Lord (God the Father) said unto my Lord (God the Son), Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool (Psalms 110:1). Jesus quoted this psalm as referring to Himself (Mark 12:36).

David was also inspired to write concerning Christ as a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek (Psalms 110:4), for, when Christ returns, He will reign as both King and Priest, as did Melchizedek, who foreshadowed Him. The Holy Spirit also led the Apostle Paul to write: He became the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey Him; Called of God a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:9-10), not a priest after the order of Aaron. Melchizedek is referred to as king of Righteousness, and . . . king of Peace . . . having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like to the Son of God; abides a priest continually (7:2-3). Since Christ is the High Priest, it is fitting that all who believe in Him also have been called a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (I Peter 2:5).

Israel, as a nation, rejected their Messiah King. But, the Stone which the builders refused has become the Head Stone of the corner. This is the Lord's doing. . . . Blessed be He that comes in the Name of the Lord: which has showed us light. . . . You are my God, and I will praise You . . . for His mercy endures for ever (Psalms 118:22-23,26-29).

This Psalm reveals the rejected stone to be the Messiah. Jesus applied these words to Himself, relating His present rejection to His ultimate triumph (Matthew 21:42). Though rejected by the Jewish religious authorities and crucified by the Romans, nevertheless Jesus was resurrected by God from the dead and revealed Himself the Chief Cornerstone, uniting both believing Jew and Gentile into one spiritual Temple. He quoted this psalm, saying: The Stone which the builders rejected, the Same has become the Head of the corner. Whosoever shall fall upon that Stone shall be broken; but on whomever It shall fall, It will grind him to powder (Luke 20:17-18; Mark 12:10-11).

Paul quoted this psalm when he wrote to the Ephesians: You . . . are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone; In Him all the building is fitly framed together . . . into a Holy Temple in the Lord (Ephesians 2:20-21).

After a miracle of healing, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said . . . Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name (authority) of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This (Jesus) is the Stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner (the Chief Cornerstone). Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:8,10-12).

Christ Revealed: Christ quoted Psalms 118:22 -- The Stone which the builders rejected -- to the chief priests and the Pharisees when they rejected Him (Matt. 21:42-45).

Word Studies: 108:7 mete means measure out; 109:23 declineth means fades away; 111:7 verity and judgment means truth and justice; 112:9 horn symbolizes esteem; 114:8 standing means pools of; 116:3 compassed me means surrounded me; 118:13 thrust sore at me that I might fall means pressed me to the point of collapse.

Prayer:

Government Officials: Rep. Patrick Kennedy (RI) and Rep. Tom Latham (IA) · Pray for Partners International · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in honor of Margaret Tisdale · Country: Philippines (79 million) in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Filipino and English · Religious persecution in some areas · 64% Roman Catholic; 11% Protestant; 8% indigenous Catholic; 8% Muslim; 7% cults · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for the Lord to give you the right words to share Christ with others (Matthew 10:18-20).

Optional Reading: I Timothy 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 9:14



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