Read Psalms 40 -- 45
In Today's Reading:
Praise for answered prayer; treachery of David's enemies; his longing for God's presence; prayer for deliverance from present troubles; psalm of the king.
Verses for Today:
In Thy majesty ride (reign) prosperously (victoriously) because of truth and meekness and righteousness. . . . Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the scepter of Thy kingdom is a right scepter. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows (companions) (45:4,6-7).
It was foretold by the psalmist that Jesus Christ, our wonderful Lord of lords and King of kings, would reign. For the most part, kings are known for their tyranny; but the eternal King of kings has the perfect character traits of truth and meekness and righteousness. This is a reminder of the words of Jesus 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).
These verses from Psalms 45 were also quoted by the Apostle Paul concerning Christ: Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever. . . . [You] love righteousness, and hate [wickedness] (Hebrews 1:8-9). The love of truth and meekness are attributes of Christ. In striking contrast are the proud and the self-serving.
Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are the Bride of Christ, the King of kings. So shall the King greatly desire [your] beauty: for He is [your] Lord . . . worship . . . Him (Psalms 45:11); He must have our undivided allegiance.
This means that our love and loyalty for our Lord must be above all other relationships. Jesus said: He that [loves] father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me (Matthew 10:37). In Luke, Jesus also included: [Yes], and his own life also; (otherwise) he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:26).
We all love being with people who radiate gladness and joy; and this too is a characteristic of our wonderful Lord. The apostles experienced this after the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, when He entered the Upper Room where they were meeting behind locked doors for fear of the authorities. Suddenly, Jesus . . . stood in the midst, and [said] unto them, Peace be unto you. . . . Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord (John 20:19-20).
The psalmist had foretold: In Thy presence is fullness of joy (Psalms 16:11). We are assured of Christ's presence because He said, I will never leave [you], nor forsake [you] (Hebrews 13:5). Therefore, in the midst of trying and uncertain circumstances, no Christian needs to fear the outcome. The result will be to experience the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Christ Revealed:
As One Who will do the will of God (Psalms 40:6-8) Jesus [said] unto them, My meat (purpose) is 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:
Government Official: Rep. Michael Castle (DE) · Pray for your Sunday School teacher · Country: Liechtenstein (32,000) in western Europe · Major languages: German and Alemannic dialect · Religious freedom · 87% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Continually watch and pray so that you won't yield to temptation in a moment of weakness (Matthew 26:41).
Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:16