In Today's Scripture Reading:
The blessings of God upon His people; His judgment upon His enemies; David's prayer in time of trouble; prayer of praise and thanksgiving
The psalmist encourages everyone to rejoice and sing for joy (Psalm 67:4). Furthermore, singing and giving praise to the Lord always brings satisfaction and peace of mind. While we await Jesus' return from heaven, the psalmist reminds us to rejoice: Let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to His Name: extol (praise) Him that rideth upon the heavens by His Name JAH, and rejoice before Him (68:3-4). JAH is short for the Name of Jehovah (Yahweh), who is ever in the present.
Let us join with the psalmist in a proclamation of praise and adoration for Jesus Christ, our wonderful Savior and Lord, who generously pours out His blessings upon us.
The psalmist also foretold the resurrection of Christ. A numerous host of people will proclaim the glorious news of His victory. Jesus ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity captive. . . . and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death (68:18,20). All the kingdoms of the earth sing praises unto the Lord (68:32) as they express their heartfelt worship. Paul explained the meaning of this psalm as a prophecy concerning Christ, who ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men (Ephesians 4:8). This means that He conquered death and Satan, who had held mankind in bondage (Hebrews 2:15). Gifts were given to apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for equipping God's people to do His work, to help them mature and grow in the likeness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. . . . Marvel not at this . . . all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:24,28-29).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who led captivity captive (Psalm 68:18). With His resurrection power, Jesus broke the captive power of Satan. When He led the Old Testament saints from paradise into heaven, He led captivity captive (compare Ephesians 4:8; also Galatians 5:1; Revelation 1:18).
Word Studies:
67:2 saving health => salvation; 68:4 JAH is an abbreviation of Jehovah — the Eternal, Self-Existent One — and corresponds to I AM THAT I AM; 68:13 pots => sheepfolds; 68:18 led captivity captive => led your captives captive — a prophecy concerning Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:8-9); 68:20 issues => escapes; 68:35 terrible =wesome, astonishing; 70:3 Aha, aha => an expression of scorn.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in North, Central, and South America in honor of Jesus Assistant to the Ex. Dir. of the IBRA: Terry Hall Government Official: President George W. Bush Country: Antigua and Barbuda (64,000) in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean Major languages: English and local dialects Religious freedom 83% Protestant; 11% Roman Catholic Prayer Suggestion: Remember that the Lord is faithful to keep His promises (Hebrews 10:23).
Optional Reading: I Thessalonians 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 1:3