Read Psalms 40 -- 45
In Today's Reading:
Praise for answered prayer; David's enemies; his longing for God's presence; prayer for deliverance from present troubles
It was foretold by the psalmist that Jesus Christ, our wonderful Lord and King of kings, would always defend truth . . . meekness and righteousness (Psalm 45:4) in His reign. 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 scepter of Thy kingdom is a right (true) scepter (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. For the most part, kings are known for their ruthless, oppressive cruelty; but the psalmist reveals that the eternal King of kings has the perfect character traits of loving-kindness and righteousness. We are reminded of what Jesus told His disciples after His resurrection . They were to remember that 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 scepter (kingdom) of righteousness . . . God . . . hath anointed Thee with . . . oil (Hebrews 1:8-9). Loving only what is right and hating all wrong is one of numerous reasons why God the Father has anointed Jesus above all others. Loving righteousness and hating lawlessness are attributes of Christ. Although we often fall short, those who have accepted 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 want 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 (see 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 the future. We are to trust the Lord for today's necessities and seek not ye 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 that God is our Father and that we are to pray: Give us day by day our daily bread (whatever is needed for today) (Luke 11:3).
Christ Revealed:
As One Who will do the will of God (see 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; see Hebrews 10:7-9).
Word Studies:
40:6 ears . . . opened = open to obedience; 41:3 make all his bed in his sickness = sustain him in all his sickness; 42:1 panteth after = longs for; 42:11 health = salvation; 44:19 sore broken = severely crushed; 45:1 inditing = overflowing with; 45:6 right sceptre = righteous rule.
Prayer Needs:
BP Staff: Letha Hash · Pray for the Bible Pathway Internet Outreach and the Bible Pathway devotions in Arabic, English, French, German, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Norwegian, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish that are now on line on our website. Let friends and missionaries overseas know that the devotional commentary is now available in these languages · the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Bett Brown · Government Official: Rep. Michael Castle (DE) · Country: Iceland (272,000) at the northern end of the Atlantic · Major language: Icelandic · Religious freedom · 94% Protestant; 6% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: When discouraged over material or financial loss, praise the Lord for preparing and providing an eternal home (John 14:1-3).
Optional Reading: I Thessalonians 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:16