Bible Pathways - June 27, 2005

June 27

In Today's Reading:

Judgment upon the wicked; David's desire for justice; those who shall dwell with God; prayer for protection

David asked a question that has eternal consequences: LORD, who shall abide (dwell) in Your Tabernacle (Tent)? who shall dwell in Your holy hill? (Psalm 15:1). David focused on two of the all-important issues of life when he asked: Who shall dwell? and Who shall abide? The Holy Spirit provided the answer: He that walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart (15:2). To work righteousness can only take place after one becomes a child of God through faith in Christ. Jesus told Nicodemus: Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God (John 3:5). To speak the truth in his heart comes from knowing God's Word.

Although the Book of Psalms foretells the resurrection of Christ, it also offers assurance that all who believe in Him will rise to share in His resurrection and life eternal (see Psalm 49:15). We are assured that the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven . . . and the dead in Christ shall rise first (I Thessalonians 4:16). How wonderful to dwell in Him and to look forward to living in the presence of our Lord forever. Like David, let us rejoice: I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope (Psalm 16:8-9). The Almighty God fulfilled the prophecy of David: You will not leave my soul in hell (16:10). Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus Christ ascended heavenward to take His place at the right hand of the Father as had been prophesied. You will show me the path of life: in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore (16:11).

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter quoted from this psalm to assure about three thousand converts that Jesus was the Christ (Anointed One) of whom David had prophesied (see Acts 2:1,25-28,31,41).

The risen Christ is the Good News of the Gospel upon which our faith is based. As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive (I Corinthians 15:22).

Christ Revealed:

In the prophecy that God would not allow His Holy One to see decay (Psalm 16:10). This foretells of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:25-27; 13:35-39). When Jesus spoke the Revelation to John, He declared: I am He that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:18).

Word Studies:

10:5 puffeth at = makes light of; 10:13 contemn = defy; despise; 11:3 foundations = principles of society based on the Word of God.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Anonymous · BPM Staff: Ken Sharp · Government Officials: Rep. Mike Honda (CA), Rep. Jim Nussle (IA), and Rep. David Scott (GA) · Country: Croatia (5 million) in southeastern Europe · Major language: Serbo-Croatian · Religious freedom · 73% Roman Catholic; 15% Serbian Orthodox; 5% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Realize that the will of God is often different from our own desires (II Corinthians 12:8-9).

Optional Reading: Philippians 4

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:8