Bible Pathways Daily Bible Reading Devotional

Get guidance on Bible study from C.S. Lewis - Free Course!
<< Bible Pathway

Bible Pathways - July 16, 2005


July 16

 

Read Psalms 120:1

 

In Today's Reading:

 

Prayer for deliverance from lying lips; sustaining power; prayer for the peace of Jerusalem; blessing of trusting God

 

The Law required all male Jews physically able and ceremonially clean to go to Jerusalem three times a year to participate in the seven feasts (see Exodus 23:14-17; Deuteronomy 16:16).

 

With confidence in the Lord's protection on the journeys, the Israelite worshipers would sing: My help comes from the LORD. . . . The LORD shall preserve [our] going out and [our] coming in . . . for evermore (Psalm 121:2,8).

 

The psalms were sung as they traveled toward Jerusalem to participate in the feasts, sacrifices, and worship. Even though some may have traveled as much as one to three weeks to arrive in Jerusalem, these were to be journeys of great joy. They sang with assurance that the Lord would protect their homes and possessions during their absence: Behold, He that keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep (121:4). The psalmist said: In His Word do I hope. . . . with Him is plenteous redemption (130:5,7). The Israelites were taught to trust in the Lord for provisions and protection, as well as for forgiveness of their sins. We too rejoice in the Lord's provision, protection, and forgiveness of our sins through Christ.

 

David was inspired to write in anticipation of that glorious time when the Messiah will reign in Jerusalem (see 110:2). And, we also look forward to the return of the King of kings when the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord (Revelation 11:15).

 

Another prophet, Isaiah, foretold of the reign of Christ: Many people shall go and say, Come . . . and let us go . . . to the House of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3).

 

Centuries have passed since this prophecy was first given, but the day will soon arrive when Israel's throne again will be occupied by the glorious descendant of David — the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ.

 

Let all believers praise our loving Heavenly Father and echo the words of the Apostle Paul: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings . . . that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. . . . In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:3-5,7).

 

Christ Revealed:

 

As our Protector — the One who shall preserve your going out and your coming in (Psalm 121:8). By Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture (John 10:9).

 

Word Studies:

 

130:3 mark = record; 130:4 feared = reverenced with awe; 131:1 exercise = concern; too high for me = far beyond me.

 

Prayer Needs:

 

Pray for · The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Thomas and Mary Beaghen · Government Officials: Rep. Michael Bilirakis (FL), Rep. Barbara Lee (CA), Rep. Donald Payne (NJ), Rep. Michael Rogers (AL), and Rep. Tim Ryan (OH) · Country: Gabon (1 million) in west-central Africa · Major language: French · Religious freedom · 66% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 3% animism and ancestor worship · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you contentment in your circumstances, whether in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:11-12).

 

Optional Reading: 2 Timothy 1

 

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:14



More Bible Pathway Articles