In Today's Scripture Reading:
Judgment upon the wicked; David's desire for justice; those who shall dwell with God; prayer for protection
David asked a question that has eternal consequences: Lord, who shall abide (dwell) in Thy Tabernacle (Tent)? who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? (Psalm 15:1). He meant, "What qualifies a person to dwell in presence of God?" The Holy Spirit provided the answer: He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart (15:2). To work righteousness can only take place after one becomes a child of God through faith in Christ. Jesus told Nicodemus: Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God (John 3:5). To speaketh the truth in his heart comes from knowing God's Word. Thy Word is truth (17:17).
Although the Book of Psalms foretells the resurrection of Christ, it also offers assurance that all who believe in Him will rise to share in His resurrection and life eternal. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven . . . and the dead in Christ shall rise first (I Thessalonians 4:16). How wonderful to dwell in Him and to look forward to living in the presence of our Lord forever. Like David, let us rejoice: I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope (Psalm 16:8-9). The Almighty God fulfilled the prophecy of David: For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell (16:10). Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus Christ ascended heavenward to take His place at the right hand of the Father as had been prophesied. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (16:11).
On the Day of Pentecost, Peter quoted from this psalm to assure about three thousand people that Jesus was the Christ of whom David had prophesied (Acts 2:1,25-28,31).
The risen Christ is the Good News of the Gospel upon which our faith is based. As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive (I Corinthians 15:22).
Christ Revealed:
In the prophecy that God would not allow His Holy One to see decay (Psalm 16:10). This foretells of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:25-27; 13:35-39). When Jesus spoke the Revelation to John, He declared: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:18).
Word Studies:
10:5 puffeth at =b> makes light of; 10:13 contemn =b> defy; despise; 11:3 foundations =b> principles of society based on the Word of God.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Ora Anderson Staff: Dan Murton Government Officials: Rep. Mike Honda (CA), Rep. Jeff Miller (FL) and Rep. David Scott (GA) Country: Yemen (17 million) in southwestern Arabia Major language: Arabic Attempts to convert Muslims to Christ are fiercely opposed 98% Muslim; .03% Christian (all secret believers) Prayer Suggestion: Pray without ceasing (II Timothy 1:3).
Optional Reading: Philippians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 19:10