Psalm 72:1-11 - Praying for the King

Psalm 72:1-11

Give the king Your judgments, O God, and Your righteousness to the king’s son. May he judge your people with righteousness and your afflicted with justice. Let the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills, in righteousness. May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. Let them fear You while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. May he come down like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his days may the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace till the moon is no more. May he also rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. Let the nomads of the desert bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. And let all kings bow down before him, all nations serve him.

Message: Praying for the King

Time:  The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

The idea in this passage, in relation to kings, was originally praying for a king who came from the line of David. Therefore, he was presumed to already have an association with Israel and then there was the expectation that the king would adhere to divine covenants. But, there is also conjecture that this is a Psalm meant for the Messiah and his reign.

So how would we apply this today? Our kings or presidents very often do not have any direct affiliation with God nor do they desire to be obedient to God's commands. And yet we still must pray for them. We could also think about our church leaders, that in a way mirror a king, and so we can pray for them with these words.

Leaders are to rule by God's ways
Give the king Your judgments, O God, A king is a maker of laws and the primary role of a king is to exert justice upon his kingdom. The king is to dispense right to all of his subjects.

and Your righteousness to the king’s son. The king's righteousness is not simply to be of his own doing, but a righteousness that mirror's God's righteousness. A king is to display God's righteousness. He is to mirror the laws of the Bible. And may this sort of administration and righteousness pass on from son king to son, so future reigns have the same focus.

Those in need be delivered
May he judge your people with righteousness and your afflicted with justice. May your judgments be free from sin and have abundance of fairness.  Let the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills, in righteousness. As I read this I am thinking not just about me and where I am, in a big city metropolis, but also all people in all walks of life -- those at school, living in rural areas, primitive situations, poor monetary environments, in all of these we are to think about the idea that the mountains are meant to be peaceful. The land in which we reside are meant to be places of peace. Instead of mountains it could say tall buildings; it could say a large barn or a tree. Let these surroundings be pleasing to us. Righteousness is to be free from sin. To have peace and freedom from sin is not necessarily an easy life free of problems. 

May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor. May he deal with those that do not seek peace. A leader needs to deal with evil. We are in an election time right now and the issues are not necessarily along these lines. The injustices of our life are often more about our comfort, education, and keeping our land free from others. We are now trying to defend all people's rights and yet not everyone can have the same rights and we are redefining right and wrong. We do not seem to focus on taking care of the poor and needy. Those are not the big issues.

An All Encompassing movement of God
Let them fear You while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. 

Men everywhere are to fear you, no matter what; keep the empire of the Messiah present; don't let there be any different sort of reign. May he come down like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. God, your influence should always be present. Even if the ground is eaten up and the land has been devoured, descend on us like a rain, and shower us with what we need. In his days may the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace till the moon is no more. May it be that righteous ones flourish. May God fearing people and God praising people multiply and fill the earth. And may the things which produce peace not be few, but numerous. May they be found in towns and village, and private dwellings; in the calm and just administration of the affairs of the State; in abundant harvests; in intelligence, in education, in industry; to the rights of all -- until the moon ceases to shine upon the earth. May he also rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. And Lord, may your dominion be far reaching, and cover throughout the universe. Let the nomads of the desert bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. And let those that are unreached or unknown, or live in the outskirts or desolate places -- may they all bow before him; and may his enemies bow in submission licking the dust of the ground. Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. And let all kings bow down before him, all nations serve him. May your dominion be far reaching. 

My Words:
O God, give kings and leaders justice over their kingdom and people so their ways are right. May the source of his/her justice be righteousness according to your laws and standards. May this be present for future generations as well. Make our leaders order with your righteousness and rule fair; may those who are afflicted be treated equitably; make our leaders live and act free from any taint or form of sin. The land in which we reside are meant to be places of peace. Make peace in the big structures of life, the tall buildings, airports, stadiums, theaters, subways, trains and everywhere many people gather. May those that are receiving wrong and experience afflictions be cleared of any wrong doing; God, save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor; protect children and for those that are doing wrong to children, may they get unwelcome outcomes. Deal with those that are creating conflict instead of making peace. Men everywhere are to fear you, no matter what; keep the empire of the Messiah present; don't let there be any different sort of reign. Even if the ground is eaten up and the land has been devoured, descend on us like a rain, and shower us with what we need. May it be that righteous ones flourish. May God fearing people and God praising people multiply and fill the earth. And may the things which produce peace not be few, but numerous. May they be found in towns and village, and private dwellings; in the calm and just administration of the affairs of the State; in abundant harvests; in intelligence, in education, in industry; to the rights of all -- until the moon ceases to shine upon the earth. And Lord, may your dominion be far reaching, and cover throughout the universe. And let those that are unreached or unknown, or live in the outskirts or desolate places -- may they all bow before him; and may his enemies bow in submission licking the dust of the ground. May your dominion be far reaching.

Promise: Leaders are to rule by God's ways. Those in need will be delivered. And there will be an all encompassing movement of God throughout the earth.

Job 1 - The Trials of Job

Job 1
    There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil. Seven sons and three daughters were born to him. His possessions also were 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the men of the east. His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.
    Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.
    Now on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, and the Sabeans attacked and took them. They also slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and took them and slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and  behold, a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

Message: The Trials of Job

Time: The time of Job is unclear and commonly debated. Often the language of the book can give clues. It seems to be that Job had a lifespan of close to 200 years as Job 42:16 says he lived 140 years after the events in the book.

What the Lord is Saying:

I've always enjoyed this chapter and studied it often. I have many notes in my Bible about it. There is much debate as to the dating of this book. I'm not sure what to conclude. It's possible that this is a story and not even true. Would that matter?

Description of Job
I often like how Job is described in verse 1. He is (1) blameless, (2) upright, (3) fearing God, (4) turning away from evil. He almost sounds like a Christlike figure. He is blameless so he is innocent of wrongdoing. He is upright or honest and true to His word. He fears God. He turns from evil.

He has 10 children and his possessions are not measured by gold or silver, but by the number of livestock that he has. He had many servants. He was a wealthy businessman.

Job was a man of piety. He loves his children and he prayed for them. He made offerings for them on their account. Their sins were his responsibility. He sought pardon for them, for their known sin and what he did not know of them. They were children. They had wealth and they loved feasts. They drank aplenty.

God and Satan Talk
Again, Job was blameless, upright, feared God, and turned from evil. And evil was brought against him often. Verse 6 picks up on a meeting, probably from above, in the invisible world, between Satan and God. Satan and his entourage have been roaming about the earth, looking for people to sway away from the Lord and worship Satan and his ways. God diverts their attention to Job. The text doesn't say that Satan is looking for people, but he is roaming, so I think it is inferred.

This is interesting. God shows Satan Job. Could it be that because Job was upright, he could handle Satan's work? Satan is fallen and will work, so God turns Job to him. He knows that the strong one will not be swayed. Satan is challenged to do his worst; man to do his best.

Satan makes a guess as to why Job is so great: he has been given a lot of good, family, and possessions and he has protection from God's enemies. Satan thinks he may have faith because he has great provision. God gives him permission to put him to the test.

The Trial
Job's messengers come to him while he is feasting with his family and begins to tell him bad news.(1) The oxens and donkeys have been taken and the servants have been killed by Sabeans; (2) fire burned up the sheep and servants, killing them; (3) the Chaldeans took the camels and servants and slew them; (4) a strong wind came and struck a house with your children in it and they died.

The Response
Job worshiped God and said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

Promise: Job understands that God is sovereign and everything we gain and everything we lose falls under the sovereign ordination of our Creator.

Proverbs 20:18 - Our Need for Counsel

Proverbs 20:18 - Prepare plans by consultation, and make war by wise guidance.

Message: Our Need for Counsel

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

As a reminder, Proverbs are generally counsel given by parents to their children.

In this case, Solomon mentions that we are prepare plans by consultation. I am seeing that this can be a good thing and it can also be a not good thing. Right now, the issue we are having with my youngest son, who is 15, is that he is taking counsel from other 15 year old's in his life, and trusting their counsel over mine or my wife's. In this vein, it is causing us unrest because the counsel he is getting is not wise counsel. It is dangerous counsel that is putting him in precarious situations that he does not recognize as being unwise.

I just wish he would not take my counsel and consider it with a greater weight than his friends. It is a hard lesson to learn. Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."

I think of my other son who is often not taking the counsel of anyone, but instead living in the manner that he thinks is best. 

And in this same light, I believe Solomon is saying that if you must go to war, be wise about it. Think about others and consider the advice of many, make war by wise guidance. As we engage in spiritual warfare, we need to understand that we cannot do it alone. We need help. We need to seek the Lord and we need to seek the help of others in our life. I think it is also saying to not just plunge into war. I think I need to remember this and be careful about waging war, even as I relate to my children.

Promise: Take care in choosing the company we keep, always heed wise, godly advice.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 - Timely Payment of Vows

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7
When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.

Message: Timely payment of vows

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

The first 3 verses of this chapter were very good as they spoke of being careful with our words and it reminded me of the song, "let the words of my mouth" and the line, "be pleasing to you." I am not to be hasty with my words and it is better that my words are few rather than plentiful.

These next 4 verses continue to expand on that thought and idea. More specifically, this passage is focused on vows or oaths that we make before God. I am reminded of the foxhole confessions that have been made, "God, get me out of this moment and I will serve you all the days of my life" or "I will become a priest." Those confessions I always found interesting because when you are at the end of your rope you then realize that it is only God that can save and the thought that God wants everyone to be a priest or always faithful before he will intervene and rescue a person.

I think the vow word means different words today: promise, contract, legal tender. We must be careful in what we say we are going to provide. This chapter started off by saying I need to be careful with the words I say; I need to also be careful about the promises I make for I am to be faithful in carrying out those promises. And do i ever try to deviate from a promise? 

[I have been working on this lesson for 2 days now. I guess I am struggling with the word vow and what that means to me. It just seems like a word that we do not use much and yet it is a word I hear from religious people when I watch historical religious movies.]

It seems like verses 1-3 of this chapter were about keeping your words few and not saying more than you should. It was about being careful with your speech. And this one is still speaking of being careful, but it is also about being a man of your word. It reminds me of the DeGarmo and Key song called just that:

He that obeys will be holy
He that believes will obey
Say what you mean but remember
To do what you say
So be a man of your word

I just remember that simple song and that simple reminder.

This passage ends with the phrase that in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.


Promise: Lean on God rather than leaning on our words.

Psalm 117 - Praising the Lord's Faithful Love

Psalm 117
Praise the Lord, all nations;
Laud Him, all peoples!
For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord is everlasting.
Praise the Lord!

Message: Praising the Lord's Faithful Love

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

All nations are to praise the Lord. Everyone. This Psalm was obviously given to Israel and yet the call was to all nations. The goal was for all nations to Praise the Lord. This could have been a doxology or praise benediction in our service. Our church often does these before or at the end of a service. This would be a good one to do in a service.

As God's people, we have a responsibility before God to praise Him on behalf of all people and with the goal that all people will praise Him. If I think about it, praise dispels anger and jealousy. It has a powerful effect on people. We can see this and understand it. So, in turn we can understand that this is what we need to say to the Lord.

And why do we praise the Lord?

• His Lovingkindness is great - his mercy, compassion and kindness is great towards us. God wants the best for us. And he sees what is best for us. Even when we do not see it, he knows. And this is why we praise Him because he acts toward us in a way that is great and just what we need.
• The truth of the Lord is everlasting - what God has affirmed at any one time will always remain the same in all ages and in all lands. What was truth to Abraham is truth to us; what was truth to Paul is truth to us; what was truth to the martyrs is truth to us; what is truth to us will be truth to all generations of the world in all lands, and will be truth forever.

Note: This is the shortest chapter in the Bible and the middle of the Bible.

Promise: As in this chapter our lives and days should begin with "Praise the Lord!"

Proverbs 16:7 - Granting Us Peace

Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Message: Granting us peace

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

According to the TableTalk reading on this passage for today, the fall of Adam and Eve introduced several wars into creation.

1. War with God - every thought of the fallen heart is only evil continually, and people seek to overthrow the Lord's rightful place as ruler over their lives. In Genesis 8:21, the Lord said that the intention of man's heart is evil, since his youth. In Romans 3:1-20 speaks of how the unrighteousness of man upholds the righteousness of God. Man does not want to do good; there is none righteous, not even one; no one understands, no one seeks for God; all have turned aside. Man's tongue, mouth, feet are swift to inflict evil. 
2. War with Himself - Romans 2 says the Law is written on our hearts; right and wrong is written on our heart and accuses us all of our days. This is a plain and simple reality, yet one that causes us tension all of our days. The pain is no matter how hard we try, we will never be fully good and proper. 
3. War with Other People - The moment after Adam and Eve sinned, Adam immediately laid the blame on Eve. Human society has been characterized by strife, disagreement, and hatred between people. 

The third point is the focus of today's passage from Proverbs with the result of this promise that man's enemies will be at peace with us when our ways please the Lord. And it is interesting because in this passage the way we have peace with our fellow man is not by being a better person towards them or having more sensitivity; this may be the result, but our focus is to be on pleasing the Lord. 

This makes sense, if I follow the Lord's commands to not lie, steal, commit adultery, murder, then it naturally will result in people not being harmed or feeling harmed. But, I cannot guarantee that all people all the time will be kind with me, no matter how I act. And yet Jesus pronounces a blessing upon those who are hated in Matthew 5 reminding us to look toward heaven and the hope we have with him there. And yet we do know that things will work out for good. Matthew Henry comment:

"God can turn foes into friends when he pleases. He that has all hearts in his hand has access to men's spirits and power over them, working insensibly, but irresistibly upon them, can make a man's enemies to be at peace with him, can change their minds, or force them into a feigned submission. He can slay all enemies, and bring those together that were at the greatest distance from each other." 

Promise: This is a good reminder. We are programmed to solve problems through time management, leadership development, becoming a better communicator, conflict resolutions -- but I must remember that the real focus of my heart should be doing things that please the Lord. 

Proverbs 16:9 - Sovereign Over Our Steps

Proverbs 16:9
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. 

Message: The Lord is sovereign over our steps

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

Part of me just doesn't want to see a verse like this again. I have looked at similar verses previously in this study of the wisdom literature, but this is the verse that came up in TableTalk today so I will address it again. There just remains this tension in life between God and what he does and man's responsibility. It's a message I read and know, but still struggle understanding. Maybe it is because I am accountant and like to know step by step how something is done. And with this issue, I must trust God.

I have intentions. I make plans. I choose certain courses of action. To be honest, I feel somewhat in control of what I do each day. I feel responsible for my choices. I know this is so, but as I read in TableTalk, God has the final say. Ultimately, he works things out according the counsel of His will. I have choices and I tend to make choices on what I think is best for me, at the time. And yet, even these choices I make, don't always have good outcomes. Sometimes these choices end up being bad choices. Granted, sometimes I am reckless and not careful, but I am thinking more of the times when I am intentional and yet my choices yield unfavorable experiences.

I think the idea is then that through all of those choices, while there is a right path and wrong path, nevertheless, God can teach me things through the path that I choose.

I also see another idea from this verse. "The Lord establishes my steps." He directs my steps. He knows what steps are best for me. Does that mean I stop and pray before every step? I do not think so, but I think it does mean I surrender to him daily and trust Him. Again, this is hard and sometimes hard to write out in step by step fashion. But, the important thing is to acknowledge that God's ways are the best ways. He will protect me. When I choose my paths or steps there are consequences. They are not always immediate, but I do see consequences.

But, again, this doesn't always mean good outcomes. Last week, I heard about an untimely death, in a man's life that was walking with God. He had back surgery and went to sleep afterwards. And he didn't wake up. Also that week I heard of a man, also serving God, that had a wife that died in a car accident. Can I really say that both of these paths were directed? Boy, I don't know. It seems hard. Tragedy strikes and yet the most important thing is both of these people are now with God in heaven. So, even those outcomes seemed untimely their destination is secure. I think this is what we must focus on. We must see the thankfulness and trust our Maker. In light of eternity mates with see one another again. But, it is still hard, and that is okay.

Promise: When I choose my paths or steps there are consequences. They are not always immediate, but I do see consequences. God will protect me as he directs my steps.