Bible Pathways - June 26, 2008
June 26
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Psalms are songs, God's songbook for worship. Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth (68:32)! The book opens with two men, two ways, and two destinies. Which one are we (1:6)? We immediately learn that Jesus Christ is the coming King (chapter 2). Three & four give us a morning song and an evening song, followed by a prayer for guidance, a cry for mercy and a prayer of deliverance (5—7). In 8 He reemphasizes His glory and has given man dominion. And 9 follows with praise for victory over our enemies.
What a direct contradiction this Psalm is to the world's philosophy. Blessed is the man. . . . [whose] delight is in the Law of the Lord; and in HIs Law doth he meditate day and night (Psalm 1:1-2). The secret of the blessed life is to refuse the counsel of the ungodly. But a merely negative goodness will not ensure true blessedness, therefore, the psalmist proceeded to establish the all-inclusive secret of blessedness: His delight is in the Law of the Lord.
The blessed person has an attitude of delight . . . in the Law of the Lord; and in His Law doth he meditate day and night. If we delight in pleasing Jesus Christ, we will "meditate" upon His Word. As we meditate prayerfully in His Law, the Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts, revealing the meaning of His Word for our lives. Such people have a desire to be led by the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13).
What a contrast to the superficial theories of happiness which human philosophy and psychology advocate. The secret of true and lasting peace is a right relationship with God.
The ungodly are self-willed and walk after their own counsel while the blessed man depends upon direction from God through His Word. The delight of the heart in the Law acknowledges the fact that the Law is holy, and just, and good!
This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night . . . for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8).
Delight of the heart means more than sincerity based upon the truth of God's Word. It means a delight in Jesus who is the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). In Him the blessings and powers of that eternal life are our actual possession and experience.
Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (I John 5:4).
Thought for Today:
There is no place to ride the fence. We are either for or against God, there is no room for the world's influence.
Christ Revealed:
As the Son of God (Psalm 2:7). God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16; also Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5).
Word Studies:
2:2 anointed (one) =b> Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek); 5:6 leasing =b> lies.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Arabic, English, and Spanish International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mary J. Zaiser • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Official: Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI) • Country: Tanzania (31.3 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: Swahili and English • Churches are expected to help implement Marxist policy • 45% Christian; 19% Muslim; .4% Baha'i; .1% Hindu; 35.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for wisdom as you read His Word, and it will be given to you (James 1:5).
Optional Reading: Philippians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 3:18