Bible Pathway - July 7, 2011
Read Psalms 72
Highlights:
Old, feeble, and near death, David prays his last recorded prayer (Ps. 72:20) — not only for Solomon as his son, but as the one in charge of the people of God. Asaph, David's song leader, laments: "Woe is me" and "It's not fair" as he sees the wicked prosper. Then he praises God that the righteous triumph. Learn a lesson from Asaph. In his trouble he chooses to remember: Who is so great a god as our God? (77:13).
The psalmist's transition from severe struggles to ultimate victory revealed the integrity of his heart. The psalmist observed: The ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. . . . All the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. . . . (Ps. 73:12,14). The psalmist saw those who blasphemed God, prospered and seemed to enjoy life while those who worshiped the Lord had great difficulties. Through the passing centuries this has been a problem for many Christians who don't read enough of His Word.
Even David wondered why it seemed the wicked were not plagued with sufferings that the people of God endured: I was envious . . . when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (73:3). But he gained a true perspective of life's problems when he went into the Sanctuary of God; then (he) understood . . . their end (73:17). David was humbled, and fresh insight caused him to confess before God: So foolish was I, and ignorant (73:22).
As Christians we have come to know the course of life's events under the protection of God. We can trust Him and thank Him in humble prayer for the needed grace (the countless blessings of God). We will have taken the path of daily fellowship with the Lord and a wholehearted surrender to live entirely for Christ. No Christian ever needs to feel slighted when others prosper, because no good thing will He (God) withhold from them that walk uprightly (84:11).
When all other resources fail, we will discover that God, and God alone, is adequate to provide our every need. Draw near to Him as we read His Word and His presence will brighten and beautify your life with His Light, endless love, and daily guidance.
Seek . . . first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33).
Thought for Today:
Fret not thyself because of evildoers. . . . For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth (Ps. 37:1,9).
Christ Revealed:
As the Righteous Judge who will crush the oppressor (Ps. 72:2-4). Psalm 75:8 describes the judgment of God upon those who refuse to accept the salvation so freely offered by Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29,34-36; comp. II Thess. 1:8-9).
Word Studies:
73:4 bands, pain; 73:21 pricked in my reins, emotionally disturbed; 74:2 the rod, the tribe; 74:4 set up their ensigns for signs, replace the symbols of God with their own symbols; 75:5 speak not with a stiff neck, defy not God with an insolent attitude.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Rose Frontero • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Rep. Judy Chu (CA) • Country: Kazakhstan (15.4 million) central Asia • Major languages: Kazakh and Russian • Religious tolerance • 47% Muslim (largely Sunni); 25% Russian Orthodox; 2% Lutheran; 2% Catholic; 2.3% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and fast as you confess your sins and intercede for our nation (Neh. 1:4-6).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 34
