Bible Pathways 06/27/2002
June 27
Read Psalms 10 -- 17
In Today's Reading:
A prayer for judgment upon the wicked; David's desire for justice; the foolishness of men; those who shall dwell with God; prayer for protection.
Verses for Today:
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory (spirit) rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. . . . neither wilt Thou suffer (permit) Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (16:9-11).
David asked a question that has eternal consequences: Lord, who shall abide in [Your] Tabernacle? who shall dwell in [Your] holy hill? (Psalms 15:1). David focused on two all-important issues of life: Who shall abide? and Who shall dwell? His answer was: He that [walks] uprightly, and [works] righteousness, and [speaks] the truth in his heart (15:2). To walk uprightly is only possible for those who are "born again." Jesus said to Nicodemus: Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God (John 3:5). The ability to [speak] the truth in his heart (Psalms 15:2) comes from knowing God's Word, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Although the Book of Psalms foretells the physical resurrection of Christ, it also offers assurance that all who believe in Him will physically 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 (1 Thessalonians 4:16). How wonderful to abide in Him and to look forward to dwelling in the presence of our Lord forever. Like David, we can say: I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved (cannot miss His plan for my life) (Psalms 16:8).
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 2:25-28).
When Adam sinned by submitting to Satan's lies, spiritual death took place immediately and, eventually, physical death also. By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned (Romans 5:12). To remove sin and death, it was necessary for the perfect Son of God, Who never once sinned, to die on the cross in our place as the One Perfect Sacrifice for all sin (Hebrews 10:12). But, He also had to triumph over death by His bodily resurrection to give us eternal life. At the dawning of Jesus' resurrection day, an angel rolled the stone away from the entrance to His tomb -- not for Jesus to get out, but for the world to see that the tomb was empty. Jesus had already come forth --the Firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18). The Almighty God fulfilled the prophecy of David: Neither [will You permit Your] Holy One to see corruption (remain dead) (Psalms 16:8-10).
This glorious fact of the risen Christ is the Good News of the Gospel upon which our Christian faith is based. As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22).
Christ Revealed:
In the prophecy: For [You will] not leave my soul in hell (Sheol -- meaning the grave); neither [will You] suffer [Your] Holy One to see corruption (Psalms 16:10). This foretells the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:25-27; 13:35-39). I am He that [lives], 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 = makes light; 10:13 contemn = defy; despise; 11:3 foundations = principles of society based on the Word of God.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Mike Honda (CA), Rep. Bill Luther (MN), Rep. Jim Nussle (IA), and Rep. Doug Ose (CA) · Pray for your Church · Country: Latvia (3 million) eastern coast of Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe · Major languages: Latvian and Russian · Religious freedom · 20% Protestant; 20% Roman Catholic; 15% Russian Orthodox; 1% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Pray the Lord of the harvest to send workers to harvest for Him (Matthew 9:38).
Optional Reading: Philippians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: John 8:31-32
