Bible Pathways - July 14, 2005

July 14

In Today's Reading:

David's praise to God for His sovereignty over nations; prayer for judgment upon the wicked; exhortation to trust in God, not idols

When Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, He fulfilled the prophecy which the Holy Spirit had earlier inspired King David to write: The LORD (God the Father) said to my Lord (God the Son), Sit . . . at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool (Psalm 110:1). Jesus quoted this psalm as referring to Himself (see Mark 12:36).

David foretold that Israel, as a nation, would first reject their Messiah King. But, the Stone (Christ) which the builders refused is become the Head Stone (Christ) of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. . . . Blessed be he that comes in the Name of the LORD. . . . God is the LORD, which has showed us light. (Psalm 118:22-23,26-27). David then gives praise to God and we too can say: You are my God, and I will praise You: You are my God, I will exalt You. O give thanks to the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endures for ever (118:28-29).

Jesus quoted this psalm, saying: What is this then that is written, The Stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the Head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that Stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever It shall fall, It will grind him to powder (Luke 20:17-18; Mark 12:10-11).

Paul quoted this psalm when he wrote to the Ephesians: Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints (believers), and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Corner Stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together grows to a holy temple in the Lord (Ephesians 2:19-21).

Also, after a miracle of healing, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel . . . Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him does this man stand here before you whole (well) (Acts 4:8,10). Peter then quoted Psalm 118 when he declared: This is the Stone which was set at nothing of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:11-12).

Christ Revealed:

Christ quoted Psalm 118:22: The Stone which the builders rejected — to the chief priests and the Pharisees when they rejected Him (see Matthew 21:42-45).

Word Studies:

108:7 mete = measure; 109:23 declineth = fades away; 111:7 verity and judgment = truth and justice; 112:9 horn = strength, power; 114:8 standing = pool of; 116:3 compassed me = surrounded me, entangled me; 118:13 thrust sore at me that I might fall = pressed me to the point of collapse.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast In honor of Bonnie Wilhite · Staff: Karen Hawkins · Government Officials: Rep. Patrick Kennedy (RI) and Rep. Tom Latham (IA) · Country: France (59 million) in western Europe · Major language: French · Religious freedom · 74% Roman Catholic; 5% Muslim; 2% Protestant; 1% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that the Lord protects you and provides your needs (Philippians 4:4).

Optional Reading: 1 Timothy 5

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:14