Bible Pathways 07/06/2003
July 6
Read Psalms 67 -- 71
In Today's Reading:
The blessings of God upon His people; His judgment upon enemies; David's prayer in time of trouble; prayer of praise and thanksgiving
Four times in Psalm 67 the psalmist encourages all the people of all nations to praise the Lord: Let the people praise Thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee (Psalm 67:3,5). He then proclaims to the world: O let the nations be glad and sing for joy (67:4). Furthermore, singing and giving praise to the Lord always brings joy to our hearts. 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 Him that rideth upon the heavens by His Name JAH, and rejoice before Him (68:3-4). JAH is the shortened name of Jehovah which is used over 40 times in the Psalms, Exodus and Isaiah. It is translated in English simply as the Lord. It is a powerful testament to the ever presence of God for it translates as He is, ever in the present.
The psalmist then foretold the resurrection of Christ. A numerous host of people will proclaim the glorious news of His victory. He ascended to the heights and led a multitude of followers with Him. Let all kingdoms of the earth sing praises to the Lord as they express their heartfelt worship (see 68:18-20,32). Paul referred to this psalm, but expressed that when Christ ascended up on high, He . . . gave gifts unto men (Ephesians 4:8). These included apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for equipping God's people to do His work, to be maturing and growing in Christlikeness (see 4:11-12).
Let us join with the psalmist in a proclamation of praise and adoration for Jesus Christ. Our wonderful Lord, Who every day generously pours out His blessings upon us, deserves unceasing praise. As Savior, God helps with daily problems and needs. And He promises escape from the final enemy, death. We should speak of Him and His salvation throughout every day as we have the opportunity (see Psalms 68:19; 71:15), for even His Name proclaims His life-giving salvation: Y'shua literally means Jehovah is salvation!
During Christ's triumphant reign, all the kingdoms of the earth will sing praises unto the Lord (see 68:32). If we have received His salvation, we should magnify and praise Him again and again (see 70:4).
The Apostle Paul was inspired to write that all Scripture (both Old and New Testaments) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine (teaching), for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect (adequate), throughly furnished unto all good works (II Timothy 3:16-17).
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; see 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 = awesome, astonishing; 70:3 Aha, aha = an expression of scorn.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Universal Printing, printers of Bible Pathway in the U.S. · the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Henry Rogers · Government Official: President George W. Bush · Country: Iraq (22 million) in southern Asia · Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish · Fierce harassment of non-Muslims · 96% Muslim; 3% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Ask according to the will of God and you will receive (John 16:24).
Optional Reading: I Thessalonians 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:18