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Bible Pathways - July 2, 2006


Psalms 40

In Today's Reading:

Praise for answered prayer; enemies restrained; longing for God's presence; prayer for deliverance from present troubles

It was foretold by the psalmist that the Messiah, our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ who is King of kings, would always uphold truth . . . meekness and righteousness (Psalm 45:4) in His reign. In contrast, most kings are known for their ruthless, oppressive cruelty. Because the Lord Jesus is the only begotten sinless Son of God, David was inspired to write: Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of Thy Kingdom is a right (true) sceptre (divine right to rule) (45:6). The Father has anointed Jesus and poured out abundantly on Him the oil of gladness (45:7) far above all others. After His resurrection, Jesus told 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).

The Apostle Paul quoted from Psalm 45 concerning Jesus as the Son of God, saying: Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy Kingdom. . . . God . . . hath anointed Thee with . . . oil (Hebrews 1:8-9). Loving only what is right and hating all wrong is one of the numerous attributes of Christ.

Although we often fall short, those who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior desire to express the attributes of loving righteousness and hating lawlessness. Since Christians are also the Bride of Christ, we desire to express the characteristics of the One we represent. The King sees only beauty in His Bride and we, in turn, recognize Him as our Lord and worship Him (Psalm 45:11). This means that He must have our undivided allegiance.

In the midst of trying and uncertain circumstances, the Lord has assured us of His loving care over our lives. No Christian needs to fear what the future may be. We are to trust the Lord for today's necessities and seek not . . . what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink. . . . For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek (desire) ye the Kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you (Luke 12:29-31). Jesus taught us to pray: Our Father. . . . Give us day by day our daily bread (whatever is needed for today) (Luke 11:2-3).

Christ Revealed:

As One who will do the will of God (Psalm 40:6-8). Jesus said that His purpose on earth was to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work (John 4:34; Hebrews 10:7-9).

Word Studies:

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

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials (listed on their birthdays): Rep. Michael Castle (DE) · Country: Brazil (171 million) in South America Major languages: Portuguese and Spanish Religious freedom 87% Roman Catholic; 7% Protestant; 4% various forms of spiritism · Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks to the Lord and praise Him openly, for He has redeemed you through His blood and forgiven all your sins (Colossians 1:12-14).

Optional Reading: I Thessalonians 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:1-2


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