Post by foxjj on Nov 6, 2023 4:00:21 GMT
Psalm 19 - NIV
Psalm 19 opens by proclaiming the creative power of God. In his description of the heavens, David both acknowledges, and proclaims the work of The Creator of the heavens and the earth:
“1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.”
All David had were his natural eyes by which to both see, and marvel at the night sky with its vast array of twinkling lights. He had no knowledge of the vastness of the heavens as we do today. As a man of faith, David accepted God had created the heavens, the earth, and all there in. Some years later Isaiah would confirm David’s belief when he recorded The Lord’s declaration:
“It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.” - Isaiah 45:12.
To the child of God, looking at the heavens is seeing the work of Our Creator laid out for all to see. As we witness the sun move across the sky, we are reminded of Jesus claim that He is the Light of the world:
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”- John 8:12.
Knowing this spiritual truth, gives confidence to the born again believer when clouds overshadow our lives. Just as the sun continues to shine above the natural clouds, so Jesus continues to shine His Everlasting Light above the clouds in our lives because, He is both Redeemer and Creator as Paul wrote:
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” - Colossians 1:16.
On the other hand, in their efforts to explain the universe, men have failed to grasp the unique and exclusive reason for its existence, which is; displaying God’s Creative Power, thereby making Him worthy of worship and praise.
In our modern world of technology, knowledge of God is passed over as too simple. Consequently, science continues to push on in an effort to find the source of the beginning of the universe, rejecting God’s revealed truth. However, the further they push into the universe, the more complex it becomes, making their task never ending. Meanwhile, God’s Glory is on display for all to behold.
Verses 7-9 teaches how The law of the Lord is perfect. Although David is referring to The Torah, to you and I, his words can refer to all of God’s Scripture as perfect:
“7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.”
Statutes are the written law.
“8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.”
Precepts refers to the general rule that dictate behaviour, while commands are verbal instructions.
“9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
The fear of the Lord implies respectful reverence.
A decree is an edict, or official order.
In verse’s 10 & 11, David declares the value of God’s law:
“10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
11 By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.”
For the born again believer, The Law is no longer a rigid religious requirement, but is a guide for living a righteous life because, our sin has been forgiven, and we are spiritually born anew.
In verse’s 12 & 13, knowing the difficulty of keeping the law, David prays for Devine help:
“12 But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.”
When one transgressed, and required forgiveness under the Old Covenant, they went to a priest who offered a blood sacrifice on their behalf, as an atonement for their sin.
Under the New Covenant, we turn to The Lord Jesus, who has obtained a Righteousness which fulfilled the Mosaic Law. This is appropriated by Grace, through Faith in His Once and for all Sacrifice, as explained by Paul in Romans 3:21-24:
“21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Grace is the unmerited favor of God, meaning that it is a gift, not earned. Consequently when, as a born again believer we have struggles in our spiritual life, we know that we can turn to The Lord because we have the Holy Spirit to guide us as Jesus promised in John 14:15-17:
“15 If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
David closes with a prayer familiar to all sincere believers:
“14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Today, let us give thanks to our God for His mercy.
John Joseph Fox.
Psalm 19 opens by proclaiming the creative power of God. In his description of the heavens, David both acknowledges, and proclaims the work of The Creator of the heavens and the earth:
“1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.”
All David had were his natural eyes by which to both see, and marvel at the night sky with its vast array of twinkling lights. He had no knowledge of the vastness of the heavens as we do today. As a man of faith, David accepted God had created the heavens, the earth, and all there in. Some years later Isaiah would confirm David’s belief when he recorded The Lord’s declaration:
“It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.” - Isaiah 45:12.
To the child of God, looking at the heavens is seeing the work of Our Creator laid out for all to see. As we witness the sun move across the sky, we are reminded of Jesus claim that He is the Light of the world:
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”- John 8:12.
Knowing this spiritual truth, gives confidence to the born again believer when clouds overshadow our lives. Just as the sun continues to shine above the natural clouds, so Jesus continues to shine His Everlasting Light above the clouds in our lives because, He is both Redeemer and Creator as Paul wrote:
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” - Colossians 1:16.
On the other hand, in their efforts to explain the universe, men have failed to grasp the unique and exclusive reason for its existence, which is; displaying God’s Creative Power, thereby making Him worthy of worship and praise.
In our modern world of technology, knowledge of God is passed over as too simple. Consequently, science continues to push on in an effort to find the source of the beginning of the universe, rejecting God’s revealed truth. However, the further they push into the universe, the more complex it becomes, making their task never ending. Meanwhile, God’s Glory is on display for all to behold.
Verses 7-9 teaches how The law of the Lord is perfect. Although David is referring to The Torah, to you and I, his words can refer to all of God’s Scripture as perfect:
“7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.”
Statutes are the written law.
“8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.”
Precepts refers to the general rule that dictate behaviour, while commands are verbal instructions.
“9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
The fear of the Lord implies respectful reverence.
A decree is an edict, or official order.
In verse’s 10 & 11, David declares the value of God’s law:
“10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
11 By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.”
For the born again believer, The Law is no longer a rigid religious requirement, but is a guide for living a righteous life because, our sin has been forgiven, and we are spiritually born anew.
In verse’s 12 & 13, knowing the difficulty of keeping the law, David prays for Devine help:
“12 But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.”
When one transgressed, and required forgiveness under the Old Covenant, they went to a priest who offered a blood sacrifice on their behalf, as an atonement for their sin.
Under the New Covenant, we turn to The Lord Jesus, who has obtained a Righteousness which fulfilled the Mosaic Law. This is appropriated by Grace, through Faith in His Once and for all Sacrifice, as explained by Paul in Romans 3:21-24:
“21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Grace is the unmerited favor of God, meaning that it is a gift, not earned. Consequently when, as a born again believer we have struggles in our spiritual life, we know that we can turn to The Lord because we have the Holy Spirit to guide us as Jesus promised in John 14:15-17:
“15 If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
David closes with a prayer familiar to all sincere believers:
“14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Today, let us give thanks to our God for His mercy.
John Joseph Fox.