Bible Pathways 07/10/2002

July 10

Read Psalms 88 -- 91

In Today's Reading:

A cry for deliverance from death; psalmist's praise for God's covenant and His promises; frailty and brevity of human life; protection of the faithful.

Verses for Today:

Because thou hast made the Lord . . . even the Most High, thy habitation (way of life) . . . no evil (shall) befall thee. . . . He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone (91:9-12).

The Christian [who dwells] in the secret place of the Most High is the one whose heart is set on being obedient to the Lord, and such a one shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalms 91:1) for protection and provision to meet every need. In order to abide under the shadow of the Almighty, there is a need to cleanse your hands (of questionable activities) . . . and purify your hearts (of sinful attitudes and motives) (James 4:8). His Truth shall be [your] shield and buckler (assurance of security) (Psalms 91:4).

The psalmist expressed the utmost confidence in the loving care of God when he said: His truth shall be [my] shield. . . .[I shall] not be afraid [of] the terror by night; nor [of] the arrow that [flies] by day (the numerous Satanic attacks), nor for the pestilence . . . [or] . . . destruction . . . at noonday (91:4-8). Thus, he assured the faithful of God's loving protection and provision at all times.

Satan quoted from Psalms 91 to Jesus when trying to tempt Him, after His 40-day fast, to leap off the pinnacle of the Temple. Satan said: It is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning [You]: and in their hands they shall bear [You] up, lest at any time [You] dash [Your] foot against a stone (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10-11). In tempting our Lord, Satan was like some today who preach the promises of God, but fail to consider the conditions of the promises. Our Lord's response to the temptation of Satan was: It is written . . . [you shall] not tempt the Lord [your] God (Matthew 4:7). We have no assurance that the Lord will keep us in His "ways" if we ignore His will as revealed in His Word. Like those who choose to take Scripture out of context to "prove" their views, the devil ignored the rest of that passage. Satan left out obedience, the key to [abiding] under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalms 91:1). Jesus revealed this to His followers, saying: If [you] keep My Commandments, [you] shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's Commandments, and abide in His love (John 15:10).

Satan deceives many by his suggestion that: "Your situation is an exception" or "Just this one time" or "Be broadminded" or "You can always repent later and get forgiveness." He will also suggest following the questionable conduct of others who call themselves Christians, instead of the Word of God: Be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:17).

Christ Revealed:

As the Seed of David Whom God will establish for ever (Psalms 89:3-4). Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Which was made of the Seed of David according to the flesh (Romans 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:8). And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His Kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:33).

Word Studies:

88:13 prevent = come before; 89:10 Rahab in this context is a poetic name for Egypt (see 87:4; Isaiah 51:9); 89:24 horn be exalted = prestige shall increase; 89:41 spoil = plunder and rob; 90:13 let it repent thee concerning = have compassion on; 91:13 dragon = serpent, a reference to Satan. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:2; see also 12:3-4,7,9,13,16-17;13:2,4,11;16:3).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for the missionary ministries · Country: Mali (10 million) in West Africa · Major languages: French and Bambara · Religious freedom despite Muslim majority · 81% Muslim; 17% animism and spirit worship; 2% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Be specific in your prayers (Luke 18:41-43).

Optional Reading: 1 Timothy 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:18