June 27
Read Psalms 10 -- 17
David asked a question that has eternal consequences: Lord, who shall abide in Your Tabernacle? who shall dwell in Your holy hill? (Psalms 15:1). This question is exceedingly important because David focused on the two all-important issues of life when he asked: Who shall abide? and Who shall dwell? The Holy Spirit inspired and provided the answer: He that walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart (15:2). To walk uprightly can only take place after one becomes a child of God. 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, and bringing into captivity every thought in obedience to His Word (II Corinthians 10:5).
Although the Book of Psalms foretells the physical resurrection of Christ, it also offers assurance that all who believe in Him will physically rise to share in His resurrection and life eternal. For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven . . . and the dead in Christ shall rise first (I Thessalonians 4:16). How wonderful to abide in Him and to look forward to dwelling in the presence of our Lord forever. Like David, we can say: I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved (cannot miss His plan for my life). Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory (spirit) rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope. . . . neither will You permit Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life: in Your presence is fulness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalms 16:8-11).
On the Day of Pentecost, Peter quoted from this psalm to assure about three thousand people that Jesus was the Christ of whom David had prophesied (Acts 2:25-28,31).
When Adam sinned by submitting to Satan's lie, spiritual death immediately took place and, eventually physical death. By one man sin came into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned (Romans 5:12). To overcome sin and death, it was necessary for the perfect Son of God, who never sinned once, to die for our sins on the cross as the One Perfect Sacrifice for all sinners who receive Him as their Savior (Hebrews 10:12). But He also had to triumph over death by bodily resurrection. At the dawning of Resurrection day, an angel rolled the stone away from the entrance to His tomb -- not for Jesus to get out, but so that the world could see that the tomb was empty. Jesus had already come forth in the fullness and glory of resurrection life --the Firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18). The Almighty God fulfilled the prophecy of David: Neither will You permit Your Holy One to see corruption. After His resurrection, Jesus Christ soon ascended Heavenward to take His place at the right hand of the Father as prophesied (Psalms 16:8-10).
This glorious fact of the risen Christ is the great Good News of the Gospel upon which our Christian 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: For You will not leave my soul in hell (Sheol -- meaning the grave); neither will You suffer Your Holy One to see corruption (Psalms 16:10). This foretells the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:25-27; 13:35-39).
Word Studies: 10:5 puffeth means makes light; 10:13 contemn means defy; despise; 11:3 foundations means principles of society based on the Word of God.
Government Officials: Sec. Bruce Babbitt (Dept. of the Interior), Rep. Mike Honda (CA), Rep. Bill Luther (MN), Rep. Jim Nussle (IA), and Rep. Doug Ose (CA) · BPM Staff: Ken Sharp · Pray for Rick Hash and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on WDRP-FM, Williamston, NC · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in memory of Tim Peterson · Country: Myanmar (formerly Burma) (48 million) in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Burmese and ethnic languages · Limited religious freedom · 87% Buddhist; 5% Protestant; 4% Muslim; 3% spirit worship, Hindu, and other Asian religions; 1% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will move His people to give faithfully to His work (Malachi 3:8-10).
Optional Reading: Philippians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 12:9