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Bible Pathways 7/2/2001



July 2

Read Psalms 40 -- 45

It was foretold by the psalmist that Jesus Christ, our wonderful Lord of lords and King of kings, would in majesty ride (reign) prosperously (victoriously) for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness and . . . shall teach terrible (means Wonderful) things. . . . Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the scepter of Your kingdom is a right scepter. You love righteousness, and hate wickedness: therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your fellows (Psalms 45:4,6-7). For the most part, kings are known for their tyranny; but the eternal King of kings has the perfect character traits of truth, equity, humility, and righteousness. Here we also have a reminder of the words of Jesus when He said to His disciples: All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning Me (Luke 24:44).

These verses from Psalm 45 were also quoted by the Apostle Paul concerning Christ: To the Son He says, Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity (lawlessness); Therefore God, even Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your fellows (Hebrews 1:8-9). The love of truth and meekness are attributes of Christ. In striking contrast are the proud and the self-serving.

Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are the Bride of Christ, the King of kings. So will the King greatly desire your beauty: for He is your Lord; (reverence) and worship Him (Psalms 45:11); He must have our undivided allegiance.

This means that our love and loyalty for our Lord must be above all other relationships. Jesus said: He that loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me (Matthew 10:37). And Luke further quoted Jesus: Yes, and his own life also; otherwise he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:26).

We all love being with people who radiate gladness and joy; and this too is a characteristic of our wonderful Lord. The apostles experienced this after the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus when He entered the Upper Room where they were meeting behind locked doors for fear of the authorities. Suddenly, Jesus . . . stood in the midst, and said unto them, Peace be unto you. . . . Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord (John 20:19-20). The psalmist had fortold: In Your (His) presence is fullness of joy (Psalms 16:11). Isn't it amazing! Moments before, their minds were filled with fear; but, with Jesus in their midst, the disciples were glad. The hostile circumstances surrounding them hadn't changed, but now they were assured that Jesus was alive. He had overcome death and they were no longer alone. We too are assured of Christ's presence because He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Therefore, in the midst of trying and uncertain circumstances, no Christian needs to fear the outcome. We expect to experience the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Christ Revealed: As One who will do the will of God (Psalms 40:6-8; compare John 4:34; Heb 10:7-9).

Word Studies: 40:6 ears . . . opened means open to obedience; 41:3 make all his bed in his sickness means sustain him in all his sickness; 42:1 panteth after means longs for; 42:11 health means salvation; 44:19 sore broken means severely crushed; 45:1 inditing means overflowing with; 45:6 right sceptre means righteous rule.

Prayer:

Government Official: Rep. Michael Castle (DE) · BPM Staff: Dr. John A. Hash · Pray for Stephen Wike, Media Management/Crosswalk.com, Inc. · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in honor of Heather Ketterer, God's Gift · Country: New Zealand (4 million) two large islands southeast of Australia · Major languages: English and Maori · Religious freedom · 51% Protestant; 16% Roman Catholic; 3% cults · Prayer Suggestion: Pray that the will of God be done in every situation you face today (Matthew 6:10).

Optional Reading: I Thessalonians 1

Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 5:10-11,15



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