Bible Pathways - July 2, 2005
July 2
Read Psalms 40:1
In Today's
Praise for answered prayer; David's enemies; his longing for God's presence; prayer for deliverance from present troubles
It was foretold by the psalmist that the Messiah, our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ who is King of kings, would always uphold truth and meekness and righteousness (Psalm 45:4) in His reign. In contrast, many kings are known for their ruthless, oppressive cruelty. Because the Lord Jesus is the only begotten sinless Son of God, David was inspired to prophesy of Him: Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the scepter of Your kingdom is a right (true) scepter (divine right to rule) (45:6). The Father has anointed Jesus and poured abundantly on Him the oil of gladness (45:7) far above all others. After His resurrection, Jesus explained to His disciples: All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning Me (Luke 24:44).
The Apostle Paul quoted from Psalm 45 concerning Jesus as the Son of God, saying: You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness (Hebrews 1:8-9). Loving only what is right and hating all that is wrong is one of the numerous attributes of Christ.
Although we often fall short, those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior also desire to express the attributes of loving righteousness and hating lawlessness. Since Christians collectively are the Bride of Christ, our goal should be to express the characteristics of the One we represent. The King sees only beauty in His Bride and we, in turn, recognize Him as our Lord and worship Him (see Psalm 45:11). This means that He must have our undivided love and allegiance.
In the midst of trying and uncertain circumstances, the Lord has assured us of His loving care over our lives. No Christian needs to fear what the future may hold. We are to trust the Lord for today's necessities and seek not . . . what you shall eat, or what you shall drink. . . . For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knows that you have need of these things. But rather seek (desire) the
Christ Revealed:
As One who delights in and will do the will of God (Psalm 40:6-8). Jesus said that His purpose on earth was to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work (John 4:34; Hebrews 10:7-9).
Word Studies:
40:6 ears . . . opened = open to obedience; 41:3 make all his bed in his sickness = sustain him in all his sickness; 42:1 panteth after = longs for; 42:11 health = salvation; 44:19 sore broken = severely crushed; 45:1 inditing = overflowing with; 45:6 right sceptre = righteous rule.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official [listed on their birthdays]: Rep. Michael Castle (DE) · Country:
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:8
