Bible Pathways - July 14, 2008

Psalms 108

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Picture David's mighty army as they go forth to battle singing Psalm 108! David prophetically speaks of Christ in His deity as King-Priest in Psalm 110. Let's rejoice with the psalmist in the hallelujah psalms (111-113). Israel's God, the God of Jacob, is contrasted with idols (115). I like: The Lord preserveth the simple (sincere) (116:6). Come and exalt the Messiah with us as revealed in Psalm 118 — for His mercy endureth forever. Then we see universal praise followed by the reason for it (119).

In a very dramatic manner, the coming King of kings was prophesied: The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of Thy strength out of Zion: rule Thou in the midst of thine enemies (110:1-2).

Christ will reign by divine appointment even though Israel, as a nation, rejected their Messiah King. But, the Stone (Christ) which the builders refused is become the Head Stone (Christ) of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. . . . Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. . . . which hath shewed us light (118:22-23,26-27).

When we consider Him, how can we help but worship with the psalmist: Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His Commandments (112:1). A reverential fear of God inspires a love for Him that will move us to delight in His Commandments. This reverence of God is an essential part of the life of a Christian.

The Father, who in His own time will reveal His Son from Heaven, is the God who, as we wait on Him, prepares us for the revelation of His Son. It is sometimes easier to be satisfied with our Christian experiences of the past or to study the prophetic events of the future than it is to be faithful in our responsibilities of today. There is also a danger of being more occupied with the "things" that are coming than with "Him" who is to come. Let us not allow the interest and pleasure of intellectual Bible study to replace our true love of Jesus Christ and His appearing. For instance, a poor bride who is about to be married to a millionaire might only be thinking of the position and the riches that she is about to receive.

It is not when we are most occupied with prophetic "subjects" that we are in the true bride's place but when our love and attention is upon our Lord (Bridegroom) and His Word.

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28-29).

Thought for Today:

It is easy to praise the Lord in good times, but hard times purify our praise.

Christ Revealed:

As the Stone which the builders refused (rejected) (Psalm 118:22). Christ quoted this psalm as referring to Himself when He confronted the chief priests and Pharisees and they willfully rejected Him as the Messiah (Matthew 21:42-45).

Word Studies:

108:7 mete =b> measure; 109:23 declineth =b> fades away; 111:7 verity and judgment =b> truth and justice; 112:9 horn =b> strength, power; 114:8 standing =b> pool of; 116:3 compassed me =b> surrounded me, entangled me; 118:13 thrust sore at me that I might fall =b> pressed me to the point of collapse.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Wayne Eugene Lorenz; English International Shortwave Broadcasts in Asia in memory of John Perry Cooper; Spanish International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by John L. O'Donnell • Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Officials: Rep. Patrick Kennedy (RI) and Rep. Tom Latham (IA) • Country: Vatican City (900) in Rome, Italy • Major languages: Italian and Latin • Religious freedom • Approximately 100% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice and consider yourself blessed when you suffer for the Name of Christ (I Peter 4:14).

Optional Reading: 1 Timothy 5

Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:9