Bible Pathways Daily Bible Reading Devotional

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

Bible Pathways - July 6, 2005


July 6

 

Read Psalms 67:1

 

In Today's Reading:

 

The blessings of God upon His people; His judgment upon His enemies; David's prayer in time of trouble; prayer of praise and thanksgiving

 

While we await Jesus' return from heaven, the psalmist reminds us to rejoice: Let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yes, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing to God, sing praises to His Name: extol (praise) Him that rides upon the heavens by His Name JAH, and rejoice before Him (Psalm 68:3-4). JAH is short for the Name of Jehovah (Yahweh) who is ever in the present. Let us join with the psalmist in proclaiming praise and adoration for Jesus Christ, our wonderful Savior and Lord, who generously pours out His blessings upon us. The psalmist not only foretold the death but also the resurrection of Christ A numerous host of people now proclaim the glorious news of His victory. Jesus ascended on high, You have led captivity captive. . . . and to GOD the Lord belong the issues (deliverance) from death (Psalm 68: 18,20). All the kingdoms of the earth are to sing praises to the Lord (68:32) as they express their heartfelt worship. The Apostle Paul explained the meaning of this psalm as a prophecy concerning Christ, who ascended up on high, He led captivity captive — this means that He conquered death and Satan, who had held mankind in bondage (see Hebrews 2:15) — and gave gifts to men (Ephesians 4:8). These gifts were given to apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for equipping God's people to do His work, to help them mature and grow in the likeness of Christ (see 4:11-12). Singing and giving praise to the Lord always brings satisfaction and peace of mind. Someone may say: But how can we exceedingly rejoice when we face suffering, job loss, and so many other painful experiences?

 

When Things Go Wrong — Two Questions to Ask: True or False?

 

1. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

 

2. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (I Thessalonians 5:18).

 

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report (Hebrews 11:1-2, see Romans 4:16-17).

 

Christ Revealed:

 

As the One who led captivity captive (Psalm 68:18). With His resurrection power, Jesus broke the captive power of Satan. When He led the Old Testament saints from paradise into heaven, He led captivity captive (Ephesians 4:8; compare Galatians 5:1; Revelation 1:18).

 

Word Studies:

 

67:2 saving health = salvation; 68:4 JAH is an abbreviation of Jehovah — the Eternal, Self-Existent One — and corresponds to I AM THAT I AM; 68:13 pots = sheepfolds; 68:18 led captivity captive = led your captives captive — a prophecy concerning Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:8-9); 68:20 issues = escapes; 68:35 terrible = awesome, astonishing; 70:3 Aha, aha = an expression of scorn.

 

Prayer Needs:

 

Pray for · The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Henry Rogers · Staff: Diana Hash · Government Official: President George W. Bush · Country: Egypt (67 million) in northeastern Africa · Major languages: Arabic and English · Christians are not permitted to evangelize Muslims · 82% Muslim; 16% Coptic; .6% Protestant; .6% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Wives, ask the Lord to give you a submissive spirit to your husbands as if it were to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22).

 

Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5

 

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:13





More Bible Pathway Articles