Bible Pathways 07/14/04
July 14
Read Psalms 108 - 118
In Today's Reading:
David's praise to God for His sovereignty over nations; prayer for judgment upon the wicked; exhortation to trust in God, not idols
When Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, He fulfilled the prophecy which the Holy Spirit had earlier inspired King David to write: The LORD (God the Father) said to my Lord (God the Son), Sit . . . at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool (Psalm 110:1). Jesus quoted this psalm as referring to Himself (Mark 12:36).
David foretold that Israel, as a nation, would reject their Messiah King. But, the Stone (Christ) which the builders refused is become the Head Stone (Christ) of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. . . . Blessed be he that comes in the Name of the LORD . . . God is the LORD, which has showed us light. David then gives praise to God and we too can say: You are my God, and I will praise You: You are my God, I will exalt You. O give thanks to the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endures for ever (Psalm 118:22-23,26-29).
Jesus quoted this psalm, saying: What is this then that is written, The Stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the Head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that Stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever It shall fall, It will grind him to powder (Luke 20:17-18; Mark 12:10-11).
Paul quoted this psalm when he wrote to the Ephesians: Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints (believers), and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Corner Stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together grows to a holy temple in the Lord (Ephesians 2:19-21).
After a miracle of healing, Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit), said to them, You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel . . . Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him does this man stand here before you whole (well). Peter then quoted Psalm 118 when he said: This is the Stone which was set at nothing of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:8,10-12).
Christ Revealed:
Christ quoted Psalm 118:22: The Stone which the builders rejected - to the chief priests and the Pharisees when they rejected Him (Matthew 21:42-45).
Word Studies:
108:7 mete = measure; 109:23 declineth = fades away like an evening shadow; 111:7 verity and judgment = truth and justice; 112:9 horn = strength, power; 114:8 standing = pool of; 116:3 compassed me = surrounded me, entangled me; 118:13 thrust sore at me that I might fall = pressed me to the point of collapse.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Paul M. White · BP Staff: Justin Tidwell · Government Officials: Rep. Patrick Kennedy (RI) and Rep. Tom Latham (IA) · Country: Israel (6 million) in the Middle East · Major languages: Hebrew and Arabic · Witnessing to Jews about Christ the Messiah is actively discouraged · 88% Jewish; 8% Muslim; 2% Christian
Prayer Suggestion: Ask to be guided by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16).
Optional Reading: I Timothy 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 3:10
