Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
18 Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. 19 Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.
Message: Enjoyment in our toil
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:
There are two thoughts in these verses
Work is Good
Here is a noble idea -- work is a reward in itself. As you work, as you toil, there is enjoyment. This is one thing that I think our TV culture has gotten right. My wife like the Chicago series of shows on right now -- Chicago Fire, Chicago PD and Chicago Med. I especially enjoy Chicago Med, the last in the series. Granted, this is TV and the shows are make believe and present the best of the best, but they also get it right by showing that working is good for us. There is great enjoyment and satisfaction in doing a good job. As we work, as we toil, there is enjoyment. I need to thank God more for the job he has given me.
Wealth is Good
I think I understand these verses, in fact, I think this is a verse than many people understand too much. As I read and understand scripture and the role of ministry we are to have in our life, I do think it is important to have a verse like this that reminds us that we do have a right to have enjoyment in the midst of our toil. But, I also think us Americans have shifted to the other extreme of enjoyment. We are eating too much, drinking too much and spending our days just sitting and enjoying. And yet we are not living just a few years of life anymore, but many ears and spending many of these years in this enjoyment.
Conclusion
But, this verse should also be an anthem to all of those outside of the faith that look into Christianity and think that it is a faith of drudgery and duty. On the contrary, God commands us to enjoy ourselves through these words from Solomon. Life is meant to have enjoyment. I need to remember this, for I think I struggle sometimes taking it easy, but maybe not. Maybe I just take it easy in other ways that to others may look like work.
Promise: Enjoy the work that you have and the experiences it brings to your life and then enjoy the result of your labor. But do not focus too much on either one.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Proverbs 27:11 - Pleasure and Poverty
Proverbs 21:17 -
He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
Message: Pleasure and poverty
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:
Initial Observations
The first thing I think of when I read this verse is Hugh Hefner. Isn't it funny that when talking about pleasure, he is the first person that comes into my mind. That somehow the idea of gratifying oneself in a sexual sense is what pleasure is all about. And yet as I was driving to work this morning I had in me the desire to stop by and get a Bavarian cream doughnut. In essence, I was looking for a little pleasure.
He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
Message: Pleasure and poverty
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:
Initial Observations
The first thing I think of when I read this verse is Hugh Hefner. Isn't it funny that when talking about pleasure, he is the first person that comes into my mind. That somehow the idea of gratifying oneself in a sexual sense is what pleasure is all about. And yet as I was driving to work this morning I had in me the desire to stop by and get a Bavarian cream doughnut. In essence, I was looking for a little pleasure.
Also, both sides of this verse or both lines state the same thing. It says, he who loves wine and oil will not become rich. The price of oil or precious unguent was about equal to the 300 days‘ wages of a field laborer. Indulgence in such a luxury would thus become the type of all extravagance and excess.
Not necessarily poor
So I come back to this verse, he who loves pleasure will become a poor man. Now I wouldn't call Hugh Hefner poor; financially he began an empire that other people wanted and so he was and is paid a lot of money. But I also wonder if that is the only meaning of poor. It seems every time I saw the guy he had a different woman he was holding onto. Like I wonder if he was ever satisfied. I guess if I eat a Bavarian cream doughnut every day on the way to work I would simply spend about $.75 a day and it probably wouldn't make me broke, but it would give me a little pleasure. But, is it that in seeking out a pleasure like a Bavarian creme doughnut (gluttony) and looking at beautiful women (adultery of the mind) or even filling my life with TV watching or shopping or something else, that in these ventures, I am becoming a poor man. There must be something different that is meant by poor.
Never satisfied
I also see with both of these that the love of pleasure or wine and oil always brings people back to wanting more. The pleasure received is enjoyable and pleasurable but it also wears off quickly. Maybe the key to these verses is the word love. The problem with these vices in our lives is that we often do not just sample them, but we become addicted to them in our life. We go from a like to a love and that becomes the problem. Clearly, the drunk is not rich.
People today are selling different types of pleasure indulgences. There is gambling, drinking, but also entertainment of various types, like video games
Promise: We will continually run out of money every time we get it if we make it our aim to enjoy every conceivable pleasure that we can afford. It is right to appreciate the good gifts of God, but these gifts are not satisfying as ends in themselves.
People today are selling different types of pleasure indulgences. There is gambling, drinking, but also entertainment of various types, like video games
Promise: We will continually run out of money every time we get it if we make it our aim to enjoy every conceivable pleasure that we can afford. It is right to appreciate the good gifts of God, but these gifts are not satisfying as ends in themselves.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Psalm 22:16-31 - The Messiah Restored
Psalm 22:16-31
16 For dogs have surrounded me; a band of evildoers has encompassed me; they pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; 18 They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. 19 But You, O Lord, be not far off; O You my help, hasten to my assistance. 20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my only life from the power of the dog. 21 Save me from the lion’s mouth; from the horns of the wild oxen You answer me. 22 I will tell of Your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise You. 23 You who fear the Lord, praise Him; All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, and stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel. 24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard. 25 From You comes my praise in the great assembly; I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him. 26 The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. Let your heart live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations will worship before You.
Message: The Messiah Restored
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:
Initial Observations
In my first reading of the first 15 verses, I have remarked the following: The Psalmist is not only feeling hurt, but sort of abandoned by God. He mentions that God is faithful and he knows this because of those that have come before him assure him of this; he also knows this because he was born into love; but he still hurts and he still feels pain. And being a man of faith often brings him ridicule from others as they mock his faith and trust in God.
We come to God open and honestly. In this passage, I feel alone. God is Holy. God has delivered people in the past. I feel like a worm. But I know God sees value in me. God, be not far from me.
I am surrounded by death
Verse 16 is a continuation in thought from verse 11. At this point in this passage, the Psalmist is feeling surrounded by outside sources. And these words continue through verse 18. In reading these verses it does seems to point clearly to the cross that Jesus was on later: 16 For dogs have surrounded me; a band of evildoers has encompassed me; they pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; 18 They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. It was a horrific scene; the dogs are waiting for a corpse to occur so they can eat the remains; evildoers are rejoicing in the prize they have brought down; his hands are pierced and his feet. He can even count his own bones because he has had so little and he his whole body is trying to just keep himself alive. He has no use to his clothing anymore so they are taking all that is his.
Response: Call on God to intervene
Again, as had been said previously, despite the condition of the Psalmist or the Savior, in this time of need, our response is to turn to God. 19 But You, O Lord, be not far off; O You my help, hasten to my assistance. 20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my only life from the power of the dog. 21 Save me from the lion’s mouth; from the horns of the wild oxen You answer me. Basically, the Lord is near. We are not abandoned by God. Lord, do not be far from you. God, you are my help in my time of need so come to my assistance. Deliver me from that which chooses to take my life and take me away from the dogs that encircle me and from the lion's mouth. You answer me God. He pleads to God; he begs not to man during this time but he begs to God.
When I am in a time of great need, I need to call on God to intervene, not man. I tend to think that the people that will rescue me will be my fellow men/women. I think of that guy in Africa that was asking me for money because in his eyes, if he is going to get money, he is going to get it from a man. Sure, it makes sense, but for him to make it, God is going to have to intervene in someone's life. So, his focus should not be on man, but on God. He should be pleading with God. This is our focus as a Christian. Our confidence and our hope is always in God, not on man. God is the one that changes lives. So take our concerns before Him. I think that is the meaning of Philippians 4:6-7 reminding us to not worry, but pray about everything.
Testify of the Lord's work in my life
The rest of the verses in this chapter, 22-31, is the Psalmist testifying of the Lord before people, before everyone. Is God really on my lips? Is He someone that I give credit to regarding life?
22 I will tell of Your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise You. I will speak your name to my brothers; I will praise you in the assembly. It's not, "Look what I have done" but instead "look what He has done."
23 You who fear the Lord, praise Him; All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, and stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel. 24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard. God does not let us down. God hears. Keep reminding people of this.
25 From You comes my praise in the great assembly; I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him. 26 The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. Let your heart live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations will worship before You. 28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s and He rules over the nations. 29 All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship, all those who go down to the dust will bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep his soul alive. 30 Posterity will serve Him; It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation. 31 They will come and will declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, that He has performed it.
Promise: In those moments when all seems against us, in those times, I am to call on God to intervene and testify of His greatness.
16 For dogs have surrounded me; a band of evildoers has encompassed me; they pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; 18 They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. 19 But You, O Lord, be not far off; O You my help, hasten to my assistance. 20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my only life from the power of the dog. 21 Save me from the lion’s mouth; from the horns of the wild oxen You answer me. 22 I will tell of Your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise You. 23 You who fear the Lord, praise Him; All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, and stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel. 24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard. 25 From You comes my praise in the great assembly; I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him. 26 The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. Let your heart live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations will worship before You.
28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s and He rules over the nations. 29 All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship, all those who go down to the dust will bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep his soul alive. 30 Posterity will serve Him; It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation. 31 They will come and will declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, that He has performed it.
Message: The Messiah Restored
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:
Initial Observations
In my first reading of the first 15 verses, I have remarked the following: The Psalmist is not only feeling hurt, but sort of abandoned by God. He mentions that God is faithful and he knows this because of those that have come before him assure him of this; he also knows this because he was born into love; but he still hurts and he still feels pain. And being a man of faith often brings him ridicule from others as they mock his faith and trust in God.
We come to God open and honestly. In this passage, I feel alone. God is Holy. God has delivered people in the past. I feel like a worm. But I know God sees value in me. God, be not far from me.
I am surrounded by death
Verse 16 is a continuation in thought from verse 11. At this point in this passage, the Psalmist is feeling surrounded by outside sources. And these words continue through verse 18. In reading these verses it does seems to point clearly to the cross that Jesus was on later: 16 For dogs have surrounded me; a band of evildoers has encompassed me; they pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; 18 They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. It was a horrific scene; the dogs are waiting for a corpse to occur so they can eat the remains; evildoers are rejoicing in the prize they have brought down; his hands are pierced and his feet. He can even count his own bones because he has had so little and he his whole body is trying to just keep himself alive. He has no use to his clothing anymore so they are taking all that is his.
Response: Call on God to intervene
Again, as had been said previously, despite the condition of the Psalmist or the Savior, in this time of need, our response is to turn to God. 19 But You, O Lord, be not far off; O You my help, hasten to my assistance. 20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my only life from the power of the dog. 21 Save me from the lion’s mouth; from the horns of the wild oxen You answer me. Basically, the Lord is near. We are not abandoned by God. Lord, do not be far from you. God, you are my help in my time of need so come to my assistance. Deliver me from that which chooses to take my life and take me away from the dogs that encircle me and from the lion's mouth. You answer me God. He pleads to God; he begs not to man during this time but he begs to God.
When I am in a time of great need, I need to call on God to intervene, not man. I tend to think that the people that will rescue me will be my fellow men/women. I think of that guy in Africa that was asking me for money because in his eyes, if he is going to get money, he is going to get it from a man. Sure, it makes sense, but for him to make it, God is going to have to intervene in someone's life. So, his focus should not be on man, but on God. He should be pleading with God. This is our focus as a Christian. Our confidence and our hope is always in God, not on man. God is the one that changes lives. So take our concerns before Him. I think that is the meaning of Philippians 4:6-7 reminding us to not worry, but pray about everything.
Testify of the Lord's work in my life
The rest of the verses in this chapter, 22-31, is the Psalmist testifying of the Lord before people, before everyone. Is God really on my lips? Is He someone that I give credit to regarding life?
22 I will tell of Your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise You. I will speak your name to my brothers; I will praise you in the assembly. It's not, "Look what I have done" but instead "look what He has done."
23 You who fear the Lord, praise Him; All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, and stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel. 24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard. God does not let us down. God hears. Keep reminding people of this.
25 From You comes my praise in the great assembly; I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him. 26 The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. Let your heart live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations will worship before You. 28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s and He rules over the nations. 29 All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship, all those who go down to the dust will bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep his soul alive. 30 Posterity will serve Him; It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation. 31 They will come and will declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, that He has performed it.
Promise: In those moments when all seems against us, in those times, I am to call on God to intervene and testify of His greatness.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Psalm 22:1-15 - The Messiah Forsaken
Psalm 22:1-15
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. 2 O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have no rest. 3 Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. 4 In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them. 5 To You they cried out and were delivered; in You they trusted and were not disappointed. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, a reproach of men and despised by the people.7 All who see me sneer at me; they separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, 8 “Commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him; let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.” 9 Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; you made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts. 10 Upon You I was cast from birth; you have been my God from my mother’s womb.11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near; for there is none to help.12 Many bulls have surrounded me; strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me. 13 They open wide their mouth at me, as a ravening and a roaring lion.14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; is melted within me. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; and You lay me in the dust of death.
Message: The Messiah Forsaken
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:
Background and Initial Observations
I continue to forge through these readings from Psalm. It has been illuminating and I admit, I tend to approach each one sort of separate from the others. I was reading the first couple of chapters of CS Lewis book on Psalm and reminded that there is a lot of consistent ideas and thoughts and approaches that were a part of these poetic dissertations. So hopefully that can help me look at these differently.
The reading from Tabletalk associated with this entry mentions that the outcry of Christians and even the holy leaders of that day, namely David shared a sentiment that we often have regarding a desire for answers and for being rescued and often we feel the Lord is not heeding our cries. And yet in those dark times we do continue to pray, demonstrating that we believe that our Father has not forsaken us.
The first words of this Psalm were echoed by Jesus on the cross, My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? It was Jesus proclamation on the cross and speaks of his full humanity on the cross and the abandonment he felt from God. But, this is really just a feeling and not a fact. God never leaves us though it does feel like it often. There is comfort for us for Jesus to feel this. Even though the cross was a path he knew he would be on, the experience was still a hard one for him.
And I think it is interesting to read this Psalm, for it sits in our Bible before Psalm 23. Psalm 23 has been memorized and recited over and over, at so may different occasions.
1st Reading
The Psalmist is not only feeling hurt, but sort of abandoned by God. He mentions that God is faithful and he knows this because of those that have come before him assure him of this; he also knows this because he was born into love; but he still hurts and he still feels pain. And being a man of faith often brings him ridicule from others as they mock his faith and trust in God.
There is such an intense realness and authenticity in these words; in this prayer to God. He knows God is real and there, but he does not hear an answer to his cries. God is holy and God has been there for those in his family, in the past. Those individuals in the past cried out and he knows that God came to their rescue. He has heard the stories, the victories, the deliverance. But, he is not experiencing this and instead, he is experiencing the pain from those that just want to see him do poorly. But, God has chosen him and has pulled him into community with Himself, God. And so he continues to call upon the Lord as he hurts, as he has no strength, as he sinks down in despair.
I feel alone
Verse 1 - My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. This verse begins with David (I'm going to assume at this point that this prayer is a prayer of David) expressing not just to the God who is out there, put this God is his God. He says My God here. He is somewhat at the end of the ropes. I think it is normal to want to believe that rough circumstances we experience in life don't come from God, but instead something else. I think we want to believe this. We want to think that our God who loves us and cares for us is not the one that is abandoning us. We don't want to think that the one who knows us better than we know ourselves is now, not just involved, but at the foundation of the misery we are experiencing. And how is it possible that the God who saves, who has saved me from eternal damnation and rescued me from the wages of sin, is now allowing me to suffer. David feels forsaken or left alone. So much has been done for me so why am I feeling forsaken or removed from the presence of God? Far from my deliverance is to me the feeling that my rescuer isn't even nearby. This feeling of the trail ending is not even close by, but rather my deliverance is far away and the words of my groaning exclaim the degree of pain I am experiencing. It is completely normal to ask God why bad things are happening to me. There is the ever present question often asked in life, "Why do bad things happen to people" but I think we too quickly want to debate this question among peers. This is a question only for God. My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Where are you God in this pain I am experiencing?
Verse 2 - O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have no rest. My crying is not a momentary thing. The pain I am experiencing is not just for the moment. But, also, my cry to God is not just a one occasion happening. But I cry by day...and night. And God You do not answer and I have no rest. I imagine on the cross, Jesus experiencing a never ceasing pain and his cry was ever apparent. God is there. He has not abandoned us. But His answers are sometimes not quick. They are delayed. And in that delay it is normal to feel that he is not going to ever answer and rescue and my unrest is fine for now.
God is Holy
Verse 3 - Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. But our confidence remains in God. He may not be answering, but He is still the answer. There are contrasting feelings here. One, David feels forsaken or left alone, and yet his confidence in God remains. God must have a reason for the calamity he is experiencing. And in a moment he will talk about what God has done in the past. For some reason, I think at times, we think that since God is love that only good things are to come to His children; that there can only be things to happen that will make us happy and when something bad happens, exceedingly bad, though we have experienced exceedingly good things as well, we just question that God is there at all. Yes, David is hurting. Yes, he feels alone. He expresses those feelings. But, God is still his answer. God is still his God.
God has delivered in the past
Verse 4 - In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them. David remarks first that God is holy and then states that those that came before him, his ancestors, his heritage put their trust in God. He has heard the stories and he knows, despite his current circumstances that those before him trusted God and God delivered them. Obviously, not stated here is a tough circumstance or a forsaken feeling his ancestors experienced and yet God delivered them. David was reminded. We need to be reminded. Celebrations, such as the Passover, the Lord's Supper, the birth and resurrection of our Savior, the feast of tabernacles, etc. We need to be careful that our focus is not simply "what have you done for me lately" because as we experience trials we can stop and remember that God has been there in the past and he will be there in the future. Even a wedding day is a celebration day that we commemorate each year to remind ourselves of a joining together, of God removing the loneliness and replacing it with a union.
Verse 5 - To You they cried out and were delivered; in You they trusted and were not disappointed. In verse 2 David cries out, but receives no answer. Here, he is reminded that his ancestors cried out and were delivered. In other words, wait for it. The answer may not be quick, but our confidence can remain to be delivered. And also their trust in God did not disappoint. [Lord, I so need to remember what you have done in my life. I'm too quick to be mired in feeling like life is just one new problem. Show me past victories.]
I am a worm
Verse 6 - But I am a worm and not a man, a reproach of men and despised by the people. Basically, woe is me. My ancestors got delivered, but I got nothing. This is the proclamation of a man in pain. Declaring himself to be a worm or the lowest form of an animal. Worms are primarily used as bait for catching other animals. This could also more clearly be referring to Messiah. He is publicly ridiculed and despised.
Verse 7-8 - All who see me sneer at me; they separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, “Commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him; let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.”
The meaning here is to mock, to deride, to treat with scorn. There is no evidence that this occurred in David's life. He could have felt it or this could be more the focus of a prophecy towards Jesus, our Savior and Lord. He is receiving insults. And people express mocking and taunting words about his trusting in the Lord. Like, if your God is so great, he will deliver you and rescue you.
Yet, I am of value
Verse 9 - Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; you made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts. There is almost this sort of tennis match or back and forth that David is expressing here. He starts with feeling alone and yet God is holy and His deliver. But, he feels like a worm. He is bouncing back between feelings and facts. There isn't guilt in this passage. There is not right now verses crying out mistakes that David has been made. These are simply words where David is knee deep in his feelings of feeling alone and even abandoned. David is proclaiming that God brought him into this world and since an early age, he has had a love for God; he has had a faith; so it doesn't make sense that now he would then be abandoned. Verse 10 - Upon You I was cast from birth; you have been my God from my mother’s womb. Once again his words are pleading verses. He is not a momentary believer of God. He is a lifer. He hopes that this will make a difference.
Be not far from me
Verse 11 - Be not far from me, for trouble is near; for there is none to help. Verse 12 - Many bulls have surrounded me; strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me. Verse 13 - They open wide their mouth at me, as a ravening and a roaring lion. Trouble is near. I need you God to be close to me. I talk to a lot of people and they often exclaim, "How do I get close to God? I don't feel like he is close." I should encourage them to tell God to not be far away.
Verse 14 - I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; is melted within me. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; and You lay me in the dust of death. - There is reality here in these verses and what David is feeling. He feels like no one is there to help him. He is being surrounded by attackers. They are ready to pounce on him. He is weak. He has no strength.
We come to God open and honestly. In this passage, I feel alone. God is Holy. God has delivered people in the past. I feel like a worm. But I know God sees value in me. God, be not far from me.
Promise: Be honest with God. Share your feelings, but also be reminded that God is there. He is holy. He saves people.
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. 2 O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have no rest. 3 Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. 4 In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them. 5 To You they cried out and were delivered; in You they trusted and were not disappointed. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, a reproach of men and despised by the people.7 All who see me sneer at me; they separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, 8 “Commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him; let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.” 9 Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; you made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts. 10 Upon You I was cast from birth; you have been my God from my mother’s womb.11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near; for there is none to help.12 Many bulls have surrounded me; strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me. 13 They open wide their mouth at me, as a ravening and a roaring lion.14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; is melted within me. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; and You lay me in the dust of death.
Message: The Messiah Forsaken
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:
Background and Initial Observations
I continue to forge through these readings from Psalm. It has been illuminating and I admit, I tend to approach each one sort of separate from the others. I was reading the first couple of chapters of CS Lewis book on Psalm and reminded that there is a lot of consistent ideas and thoughts and approaches that were a part of these poetic dissertations. So hopefully that can help me look at these differently.
The reading from Tabletalk associated with this entry mentions that the outcry of Christians and even the holy leaders of that day, namely David shared a sentiment that we often have regarding a desire for answers and for being rescued and often we feel the Lord is not heeding our cries. And yet in those dark times we do continue to pray, demonstrating that we believe that our Father has not forsaken us.
The first words of this Psalm were echoed by Jesus on the cross, My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? It was Jesus proclamation on the cross and speaks of his full humanity on the cross and the abandonment he felt from God. But, this is really just a feeling and not a fact. God never leaves us though it does feel like it often. There is comfort for us for Jesus to feel this. Even though the cross was a path he knew he would be on, the experience was still a hard one for him.
And I think it is interesting to read this Psalm, for it sits in our Bible before Psalm 23. Psalm 23 has been memorized and recited over and over, at so may different occasions.
1st Reading
The Psalmist is not only feeling hurt, but sort of abandoned by God. He mentions that God is faithful and he knows this because of those that have come before him assure him of this; he also knows this because he was born into love; but he still hurts and he still feels pain. And being a man of faith often brings him ridicule from others as they mock his faith and trust in God.
There is such an intense realness and authenticity in these words; in this prayer to God. He knows God is real and there, but he does not hear an answer to his cries. God is holy and God has been there for those in his family, in the past. Those individuals in the past cried out and he knows that God came to their rescue. He has heard the stories, the victories, the deliverance. But, he is not experiencing this and instead, he is experiencing the pain from those that just want to see him do poorly. But, God has chosen him and has pulled him into community with Himself, God. And so he continues to call upon the Lord as he hurts, as he has no strength, as he sinks down in despair.
I feel alone
Verse 1 - My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. This verse begins with David (I'm going to assume at this point that this prayer is a prayer of David) expressing not just to the God who is out there, put this God is his God. He says My God here. He is somewhat at the end of the ropes. I think it is normal to want to believe that rough circumstances we experience in life don't come from God, but instead something else. I think we want to believe this. We want to think that our God who loves us and cares for us is not the one that is abandoning us. We don't want to think that the one who knows us better than we know ourselves is now, not just involved, but at the foundation of the misery we are experiencing. And how is it possible that the God who saves, who has saved me from eternal damnation and rescued me from the wages of sin, is now allowing me to suffer. David feels forsaken or left alone. So much has been done for me so why am I feeling forsaken or removed from the presence of God? Far from my deliverance is to me the feeling that my rescuer isn't even nearby. This feeling of the trail ending is not even close by, but rather my deliverance is far away and the words of my groaning exclaim the degree of pain I am experiencing. It is completely normal to ask God why bad things are happening to me. There is the ever present question often asked in life, "Why do bad things happen to people" but I think we too quickly want to debate this question among peers. This is a question only for God. My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Where are you God in this pain I am experiencing?
Verse 2 - O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have no rest. My crying is not a momentary thing. The pain I am experiencing is not just for the moment. But, also, my cry to God is not just a one occasion happening. But I cry by day...and night. And God You do not answer and I have no rest. I imagine on the cross, Jesus experiencing a never ceasing pain and his cry was ever apparent. God is there. He has not abandoned us. But His answers are sometimes not quick. They are delayed. And in that delay it is normal to feel that he is not going to ever answer and rescue and my unrest is fine for now.
God is Holy
Verse 3 - Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. But our confidence remains in God. He may not be answering, but He is still the answer. There are contrasting feelings here. One, David feels forsaken or left alone, and yet his confidence in God remains. God must have a reason for the calamity he is experiencing. And in a moment he will talk about what God has done in the past. For some reason, I think at times, we think that since God is love that only good things are to come to His children; that there can only be things to happen that will make us happy and when something bad happens, exceedingly bad, though we have experienced exceedingly good things as well, we just question that God is there at all. Yes, David is hurting. Yes, he feels alone. He expresses those feelings. But, God is still his answer. God is still his God.
God has delivered in the past
Verse 4 - In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them. David remarks first that God is holy and then states that those that came before him, his ancestors, his heritage put their trust in God. He has heard the stories and he knows, despite his current circumstances that those before him trusted God and God delivered them. Obviously, not stated here is a tough circumstance or a forsaken feeling his ancestors experienced and yet God delivered them. David was reminded. We need to be reminded. Celebrations, such as the Passover, the Lord's Supper, the birth and resurrection of our Savior, the feast of tabernacles, etc. We need to be careful that our focus is not simply "what have you done for me lately" because as we experience trials we can stop and remember that God has been there in the past and he will be there in the future. Even a wedding day is a celebration day that we commemorate each year to remind ourselves of a joining together, of God removing the loneliness and replacing it with a union.
Verse 5 - To You they cried out and were delivered; in You they trusted and were not disappointed. In verse 2 David cries out, but receives no answer. Here, he is reminded that his ancestors cried out and were delivered. In other words, wait for it. The answer may not be quick, but our confidence can remain to be delivered. And also their trust in God did not disappoint. [Lord, I so need to remember what you have done in my life. I'm too quick to be mired in feeling like life is just one new problem. Show me past victories.]
I am a worm
Verse 6 - But I am a worm and not a man, a reproach of men and despised by the people. Basically, woe is me. My ancestors got delivered, but I got nothing. This is the proclamation of a man in pain. Declaring himself to be a worm or the lowest form of an animal. Worms are primarily used as bait for catching other animals. This could also more clearly be referring to Messiah. He is publicly ridiculed and despised.
Verse 7-8 - All who see me sneer at me; they separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, “Commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him; let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.”
The meaning here is to mock, to deride, to treat with scorn. There is no evidence that this occurred in David's life. He could have felt it or this could be more the focus of a prophecy towards Jesus, our Savior and Lord. He is receiving insults. And people express mocking and taunting words about his trusting in the Lord. Like, if your God is so great, he will deliver you and rescue you.
Yet, I am of value
Verse 9 - Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; you made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts. There is almost this sort of tennis match or back and forth that David is expressing here. He starts with feeling alone and yet God is holy and His deliver. But, he feels like a worm. He is bouncing back between feelings and facts. There isn't guilt in this passage. There is not right now verses crying out mistakes that David has been made. These are simply words where David is knee deep in his feelings of feeling alone and even abandoned. David is proclaiming that God brought him into this world and since an early age, he has had a love for God; he has had a faith; so it doesn't make sense that now he would then be abandoned. Verse 10 - Upon You I was cast from birth; you have been my God from my mother’s womb. Once again his words are pleading verses. He is not a momentary believer of God. He is a lifer. He hopes that this will make a difference.
Be not far from me
Verse 11 - Be not far from me, for trouble is near; for there is none to help. Verse 12 - Many bulls have surrounded me; strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me. Verse 13 - They open wide their mouth at me, as a ravening and a roaring lion. Trouble is near. I need you God to be close to me. I talk to a lot of people and they often exclaim, "How do I get close to God? I don't feel like he is close." I should encourage them to tell God to not be far away.
Verse 14 - I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; is melted within me. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; and You lay me in the dust of death. - There is reality here in these verses and what David is feeling. He feels like no one is there to help him. He is being surrounded by attackers. They are ready to pounce on him. He is weak. He has no strength.
We come to God open and honestly. In this passage, I feel alone. God is Holy. God has delivered people in the past. I feel like a worm. But I know God sees value in me. God, be not far from me.
Promise: Be honest with God. Share your feelings, but also be reminded that God is there. He is holy. He saves people.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Psalm 85 - God did it, we call on Him, He will do it
O Lord, You showed favor to Your land; You restored the captivity of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin. You withdrew all Your fury; You turned away from Your burning anger. Restore us, O God of our salvation, and cause Your indignation toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not Yourself revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your lovingkindness, O Lord, and grant us Your salvation.I will hear what God the Lord will say; for He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springs from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. Indeed, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its produce. Righteousness will go before Him and will make His footsteps into a way.
Message: God did it, we call on Him, He will do it
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:
I see three divisions:
What God did, Our Call to God, What God will do (His Promise to us)
1. What God Did: He showed favor to the land, He restored his people, He forgave sin, He covered their sin, He withdrew all his fury, He turned away from his anger. In other words: God hates sin. This is clear, but God loves his creation and his people more. Though he hates sin, he has reconciled his people to himself, through His son.
2. Our Call to God: God, restore us. We do not want to experience your wrath anymore. Please revive us and bring us back into fellowship with you O God. Show us that unconditional love you have for us. In other words: Man desires fellowship with God. Man wants to be accepted and understands that only God is the one that make things right.
3. What God will do (God's Promises): I hear the Lord and He speaks peace to his people. His salvation is near to those that fear him. There are benefits and promises he has made for us. The Lord is the giver of all that is good. The earth will produce abundance and we will have fruitful seasons. In other words: God has shown what he did and we call on him in response and he will do things for us in the future.
Promise: Our God is good. He has shown himself to be faithful in the past. Our response is always to keep calling on Him. He will promises to take care of us in the future.
What God did, Our Call to God, What God will do (His Promise to us)
1. What God Did: He showed favor to the land, He restored his people, He forgave sin, He covered their sin, He withdrew all his fury, He turned away from his anger. In other words: God hates sin. This is clear, but God loves his creation and his people more. Though he hates sin, he has reconciled his people to himself, through His son.
2. Our Call to God: God, restore us. We do not want to experience your wrath anymore. Please revive us and bring us back into fellowship with you O God. Show us that unconditional love you have for us. In other words: Man desires fellowship with God. Man wants to be accepted and understands that only God is the one that make things right.
3. What God will do (God's Promises): I hear the Lord and He speaks peace to his people. His salvation is near to those that fear him. There are benefits and promises he has made for us. The Lord is the giver of all that is good. The earth will produce abundance and we will have fruitful seasons. In other words: God has shown what he did and we call on him in response and he will do things for us in the future.
Promise: Our God is good. He has shown himself to be faithful in the past. Our response is always to keep calling on Him. He will promises to take care of us in the future.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 - Money and Satisfaction
Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep.
Message: Money and Satisfaction
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:
I'm noticing that as I age, my perception of things changes. Money is one of those things that I notice is changing in my life. I am 48 now and have noticed over the past 10 years or so that as our family income grows, our expenses grow as well. It would seem that through this process life would get easier and better and we would have more money for things, but in reality, our spending habits simply shift and our needs expand. It is sort of depressing to notice. It is only recently, as the older kids leave the house that I am starting to, at times, see less expenditures. I have been more focused and disciplined this year on tithing 10% consistently. That is good. But, I also admit that has been a hard thing to prioritize. I also notice that every year, about May or June I get in this pinch where we can't pay all of the bills and have to take a one-year no interest loan out with the credit cards. Last year, it was the largest it has ever been. Life would just be easier if I didn't have to do that, but graduation expenses and summer camps are tough on expenses.
As I look at this verse 10 from Ecclesiastes 5, it rings true: He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. Our desire for money will never be satisfied with money. There is always something more that we think that we need. It's an interesting thing. If you love food, food can satisfy you. If you love your wife, her love can satisfy you. If you love to go hiking, then when you go hiking, you will be satisfied, but the love of money is not satisfied with money. That's the danger because we often assume it will satisfy us.
Even though Jesus plainly said that no man can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24), many people seem bent on trying to prove Him wrong. - Mark Dunagan
This too is vanity. This too is vanity or striving after wind. There is no lasting joy in the pursuit of money.
When good things increase, those who consume them increase. As money increases in our life, our proportion for more money increases. Millionaires often have millionaire valued houses. Isn't it interesting that as we age, the desire seems to be to travel and go many places? All of these things take a lot of money.
It amazes me that these ballplayers making millions sign contracts in which they make more millions. And I often will read about the people they then have in their life. I heard the other day about a millionaire golfer that hired an old friend to be his accountant. Like one person can support one person as an accountant for all his money. There is a growing need for legitimate and necessary help such as personal accountants, lawyers, body guards, managers, gardeners, drivers, cooks, maids, etc.
So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? I saw this: This may mean: 1. In the end the wealthy man outside of Christ only gets to look at more than the poor man. 2. Solomon argued that the only results of increased wealth for a covetous person are increased anxiety and increased vigilance, not increased enjoyment (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 989).
The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep. It is interesting, but in this verse the contrast is a working man and a rich man. It is interesting that what is often the aim of people is play, entertainment, time off. Yet, what is mentioned here is good sleep comes to those that work hard. It is through working hard that we sleep well and are well rested. It is not through having a lot that makes us content. I saw this commentary:
I find that I worry to much about money and how we are going to pay for things. See, my focus is on having things and then thinking this is what we will bring joy. I cannot even enjoy myself completely unless I have a bunch of things. My focus is not on the right things. This message is a wake-up call for that.
Promise: It is perplexing that many people remain discontent even when they can afford any comfort they desire. Keep using my money to fund the Gospel.
Message: Money and Satisfaction
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:
I'm noticing that as I age, my perception of things changes. Money is one of those things that I notice is changing in my life. I am 48 now and have noticed over the past 10 years or so that as our family income grows, our expenses grow as well. It would seem that through this process life would get easier and better and we would have more money for things, but in reality, our spending habits simply shift and our needs expand. It is sort of depressing to notice. It is only recently, as the older kids leave the house that I am starting to, at times, see less expenditures. I have been more focused and disciplined this year on tithing 10% consistently. That is good. But, I also admit that has been a hard thing to prioritize. I also notice that every year, about May or June I get in this pinch where we can't pay all of the bills and have to take a one-year no interest loan out with the credit cards. Last year, it was the largest it has ever been. Life would just be easier if I didn't have to do that, but graduation expenses and summer camps are tough on expenses.
As I look at this verse 10 from Ecclesiastes 5, it rings true: He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. Our desire for money will never be satisfied with money. There is always something more that we think that we need. It's an interesting thing. If you love food, food can satisfy you. If you love your wife, her love can satisfy you. If you love to go hiking, then when you go hiking, you will be satisfied, but the love of money is not satisfied with money. That's the danger because we often assume it will satisfy us.
Even though Jesus plainly said that no man can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24), many people seem bent on trying to prove Him wrong. - Mark Dunagan
This too is vanity. This too is vanity or striving after wind. There is no lasting joy in the pursuit of money.
When good things increase, those who consume them increase. As money increases in our life, our proportion for more money increases. Millionaires often have millionaire valued houses. Isn't it interesting that as we age, the desire seems to be to travel and go many places? All of these things take a lot of money.
It amazes me that these ballplayers making millions sign contracts in which they make more millions. And I often will read about the people they then have in their life. I heard the other day about a millionaire golfer that hired an old friend to be his accountant. Like one person can support one person as an accountant for all his money. There is a growing need for legitimate and necessary help such as personal accountants, lawyers, body guards, managers, gardeners, drivers, cooks, maids, etc.
So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? I saw this: This may mean: 1. In the end the wealthy man outside of Christ only gets to look at more than the poor man. 2. Solomon argued that the only results of increased wealth for a covetous person are increased anxiety and increased vigilance, not increased enjoyment (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 989).
The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep. It is interesting, but in this verse the contrast is a working man and a rich man. It is interesting that what is often the aim of people is play, entertainment, time off. Yet, what is mentioned here is good sleep comes to those that work hard. It is through working hard that we sleep well and are well rested. It is not through having a lot that makes us content. I saw this commentary:
"One of the human absurdities is we pour out money and effort on exercise-machines and health clubs to undo the damage of money and ease."We sit around and entertain ourselves, enjoying the couch when there is work to be done and accomplished.
I find that I worry to much about money and how we are going to pay for things. See, my focus is on having things and then thinking this is what we will bring joy. I cannot even enjoy myself completely unless I have a bunch of things. My focus is not on the right things. This message is a wake-up call for that.
Promise: It is perplexing that many people remain discontent even when they can afford any comfort they desire. Keep using my money to fund the Gospel.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Psalm 72:12-20 - The Enduring Name of the King
Psalm 72:12-20
For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help, the afflicted also, and him who has no helper. He will have compassion on the poor and needy, and the lives of the needy he will save. He will rescue their life from oppression and violence, and their blood will be precious in his sight; so may he live, and may the gold of Sheba be given to him; and let them pray for him continually; let them bless him all day long. May there be abundance of grain in the earth on top of the mountains; its fruit will wave like the cedars of Lebanon; and may those from the city flourish like vegetation of the earth. May his name endure forever; may his name increase as long as the sun shines; and let men bless themselves by him; let all nations call him blessed. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
Who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen.
The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
Rescuing the helpless
For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help, the afflicted also, and him who has no helper. He will have compassion on the poor and needy, and the lives of the needy he will save. He will rescue their life from oppression and violence, and their blood will be precious in his sight; so may he live, and may the gold of Sheba be given to him; and let them pray for him continually; let them bless him all day long. May there be abundance of grain in the earth on top of the mountains; its fruit will wave like the cedars of Lebanon; and may those from the city flourish like vegetation of the earth. May his name endure forever; may his name increase as long as the sun shines; and let men bless themselves by him; let all nations call him blessed. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
Who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen.
The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
Message: The Enduring Name of 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:
What the Lord is Saying:
We need to intercede for all of our rulers.
Rescuing the helpless
Verse 12 presents ideas from previous Psalm 72 verses, but now as if the requests had already been carried out. In those verses the prayer was that the king would defend the cause of the helpless and now Solomon speaks as if these requests have been fulfilled. For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help, the afflicted also, and him who has no helper. He will have compassion on the poor and needy, and the lives of the needy he will save. He will rescue their life from oppression and violence, and their blood will be precious in his sight. Or it could be that he is still praying, but praying with much more confidence now.
A life of praise and gratitude
so may he live, and may the gold of Sheba be given to him; and let them pray for him continually; let them bless him all day long. So may he live. Those are amazing words. The cry of the forgiven, the saved, the redeemed -- it is a glorious thing. I think of that song by Mylon LeFevre, Stranger to Danger that I have always loved. It speaks of a life that was being lived, but then was found, new life in Christ. "I'm finally free." Lord, my prayers are rarely for the oppressed. Instead, I am often praying the comfortable would be more comfortable or the safe would be more safe.
Everyone is valuable. The gold of Sheba is obviously something of great value that can now be offered to God. and let them pray for him continually; I am to pray that this leader, who has this power, would have a great reign and be able to protect and keep safe the oppressed. let them bless him all day long. From Albert Barnes - "Their lives are lives of praise and gratitude. From their dwellings daily praise ascends to him; from their hearts praise is constant; praise uttered in the closet and in the family; praise breathed forth from the heart, whether on the farm, in the workshop, on a journey, or in the busy marts of commerce. The time will come when this shall be universal; when he who can take in at a glance the condition of the world, will see it to be a world of praise; when he who looks on all hearts at the same moment will see a world full of thankfulness." It is interesting how wonderful and contagious is praise time. And yet, we have lives to live and so we must live those lives. I struggle sometimes living in this praise because it does feel segmented from the other ways of life. And then I struggle thinking what it could be live for eternity. Yet, maybe eternity will be praising God. And that experience may be eternal, but actually feel momentary. We will be caught up in blessing God all day long. But, also here is the idea that the leader is blessed for saving his people.
Abundance of vegetation
I move to verse 16 and continue to break this down: May there be abundance of grain in the earth on top of the mountains; its fruit will wave like the cedars of Lebanon; and may those from the city flourish like vegetation of the earth. As he continues to pray, he remarks that the grain and produce of the world will be abundant. He mentions that vegetation will produce. He prays that life will be healthy.
A life of praise and gratitude
so may he live, and may the gold of Sheba be given to him; and let them pray for him continually; let them bless him all day long. So may he live. Those are amazing words. The cry of the forgiven, the saved, the redeemed -- it is a glorious thing. I think of that song by Mylon LeFevre, Stranger to Danger that I have always loved. It speaks of a life that was being lived, but then was found, new life in Christ. "I'm finally free." Lord, my prayers are rarely for the oppressed. Instead, I am often praying the comfortable would be more comfortable or the safe would be more safe.
Everyone is valuable. The gold of Sheba is obviously something of great value that can now be offered to God. and let them pray for him continually; I am to pray that this leader, who has this power, would have a great reign and be able to protect and keep safe the oppressed. let them bless him all day long. From Albert Barnes - "Their lives are lives of praise and gratitude. From their dwellings daily praise ascends to him; from their hearts praise is constant; praise uttered in the closet and in the family; praise breathed forth from the heart, whether on the farm, in the workshop, on a journey, or in the busy marts of commerce. The time will come when this shall be universal; when he who can take in at a glance the condition of the world, will see it to be a world of praise; when he who looks on all hearts at the same moment will see a world full of thankfulness." It is interesting how wonderful and contagious is praise time. And yet, we have lives to live and so we must live those lives. I struggle sometimes living in this praise because it does feel segmented from the other ways of life. And then I struggle thinking what it could be live for eternity. Yet, maybe eternity will be praising God. And that experience may be eternal, but actually feel momentary. We will be caught up in blessing God all day long. But, also here is the idea that the leader is blessed for saving his people.
I move to verse 16 and continue to break this down: May there be abundance of grain in the earth on top of the mountains; its fruit will wave like the cedars of Lebanon; and may those from the city flourish like vegetation of the earth. As he continues to pray, he remarks that the grain and produce of the world will be abundant. He mentions that vegetation will produce. He prays that life will be healthy.
His name endures forever
May his name endure forever; may his name increase as long as the sun shines; and let men bless themselves by him; let all nations call him blessed. I dream of a day when God's name is cherished more. I can't help but see more and more as I walk around in life and how the name of God is just not praised and blessed more. God is an afterthought or something that is just a part of our lives, but not our entire lives. It is sad to see. But, one day "his name endure forever." Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen.
May his name endure forever; may his name increase as long as the sun shines; and let men bless themselves by him; let all nations call him blessed. I dream of a day when God's name is cherished more. I can't help but see more and more as I walk around in life and how the name of God is just not praised and blessed more. God is an afterthought or something that is just a part of our lives, but not our entire lives. It is sad to see. But, one day "his name endure forever." Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen.
Promise: Even the best rulers do not fulfill the task of peace and justice. The failure of earthly leaders point us to to the only king who will never fail -- Jesus Christ.
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