#709 Beauty of Holiness

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.


3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over many waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.


5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.


7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.


9 The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth
and strips the forests bare,
and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”


10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
11 May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace! Psalm 29 ESV

Oh heavenly beings - I have seen some translations that render this "mighty ones" rather than heavenly beings. Whether angels or those who are considered great and powerful in the earth, strength and glory must be attributed to the One Who created them. So it is with all things, health, intellect, and saving faith, these are all gifts from the Lord. 

The splendor of holiness - Here every knee must bow and every tongue confess. Who is the greatest example of good among us, and yet without blemish or stain of sin? I must confess that I am not without sin, I am not without error, this is an attribute of God alone, purity beyond our comprehension. Left to my own devices I would know nothing of holiness, I would decide right and wrong based on my feelings and want, and I would be forever lost thinking myself right in my own eyes. 

The voice of the Lord - Who can speak above the water, create the water, whose words are equal to God's? David shares the awe of all peoples at the sound the thunder makes, the way the wind picks up and the storm causes the waves to rise upon the sea. He is probably inspired by a great tempest, a storm moving in from the sea. Many will bow down and worship the storm itself, the heavenly bodies, but the Psalmist is declaring God above these things, He is the maker, Creator of the earth, His word has made all these patterns, a language we see evidence for but have not yet learned to speak. In their day they worshiped Baal as the god of the storm, today we worship those who study the storm, but to the Psalmist, glory belongs to the Lord, as that which we falsely praise was created by Him and so belongs to Him as well. 

1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.…Genesis 1: 1-3

Breaks the cedars - I live in Florida so I have seen the damage from many a hurricane, and when I worked on the road I once heard the strength of the tornado as it snapped trees not far from our truck. We fled as reasonable men would, but I remember also the house of one of my bosses, only the foundation was left from another tornado. I did not see that one but you could see the places it had been, the trees that were treated like twigs, uprooted and turned over. Big trees that we use to climb as kids or swing from could be seen swaying in the night, and found pulled up and lying in the morning. David sees this as the work and strength of God, the power of the One Who put all these things into motion. He directs, as a true worship leader should, our praise and glory to God. 

Shakes the wilderness - Those that experience the earthquake are rightly afraid, but David again directs them as a good shepherd, it is the voice of the Lord. God is greater than the earth quake, stronger than the wind, over the waters, and the lightning has a greater, it is all in His hands. Those that are not naturally shaken at the magnificence and holiness of God are bound to perish in the storm. 

37But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last. 38And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39When the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how He had breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”… Mark 15: 37-39

At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. 52The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. 53After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people.…Matthew 27: 51-53

Over the flood - Many nations and people have ancient stories of a great flood, and it is the politics of the day to try to attribute these stories to many smaller, regional disasters, but the Bible declares One responsible party, a just and holy God. The reason we hear the story is because God was not only just in this but also gracious, setting apart and saving Noah and his family. 

i. “The word rendered ‘flood’ is only used elsewhere in reference to the Noachic deluge, and here has the definite article, which is most naturally explained as fixing the reference to that event.” (Maclaren)

ii. “Psalm 29:10 is the only place in the Old Testament where this particular Hebrew word for flood occurs except in the classic flood narrative of Genesis 6-9.” (Boice)

iii. David’s reflection on the Flood reminds us of what a staggering expression it was of God’s power and justice. “Even as in the days of the Flood, when he destroyed creation with his power but saved his own, so it is at any time that God’s glory is expressed in the severity of judgment.” (VanGemeren)

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” Matthew 8: 23-27

Read More

#708 Empty Hands

To you, Lord, I call;
you are my Rock,
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who go down to the pit.
2 Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.


3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,
with those who do evil,
who speak cordially with their neighbors
but harbor malice in their hearts.
4 Repay them for their deeds
and for their evil work;
repay them for what their hands have done
and bring back on them what they deserve.


5 Because they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord
and what his hands have done,
he will tear them down
and never build them up again.


6 Praise be to the Lord,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.


8 The Lord is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them forever. Psalm 28 NIV

There is no more secure place, though the waves crash and the sky let loose, this is where the wise man builds and his house becomes the beacon that is seen afar off. 

16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.…Matthew 16: 16-18

You are my rock - Some think so highly of their ability to persuade that they think themselves game for replacing the Holy Spirit. The foundation of Peter's salvation was what God revealed to him. Most evangelicals no longer trust God for results and measure success by the amount of seats that are filled and money collected. Some churches think so far as to have hold of not just the means, the telling of the gospel, but of salvation itself. They have replaced God's word, "that salvation is of the Lord", and have sold tickets to a place where they do not have the authority to admit. The results they seek are best bought by saying what people want to hear. 

Lift up my hands - An act that should first take place in the heart, "I surrender all", and yet my hands are empty, because You will have to first give me anything worth surrendering. For now, this is all I have, my sin, my guilt and shame, and no ability to repay. A life constantly in prayer is consistently before the Lord. 

Who speak cordially - We all have encountered those who show a good face, who are outwardly kind yet bury you in their hearts. Some think it polished and even professional, there are cultures that say friend but only fatten you up for the kill, men who will praise you to your face which is not the truth of their actual intentions. 

Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! 11 Can both fresh water and bitter water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.… James 3: 10-12

They have no regard - You were made yet you refuse to give credit where it is due. You smile at your neighbor's face but speak evil in your heart. God has left His law and the testimony of creation, yet you lift up your wickedness and praise your vices instead. You pretend at innocence, lie about intentions, and men being blind as they are may well reward you for your words, but God knows your heart. 

My heart leaps for joy - David does not pray just to console himself, a mature Christian prays without ceasing and our prayers change as we grow. We should come expecting to hear from God, not just to hear ourselves or that others might hear. It is not without hope that we come, and we come as His children. I have at times been accused of coldness, because I don't base what I believe about God or how I pray on my emotions and feelings, but contrary to popular opinion I experience wonderful emotions. Whereas I use to say, "I feel this way, so this is good, or Your words made me feel horrible so Your words are wrong," Now I read God's word and I know that it is good, and from there my faith is strengthened and my prayer is looking forward to His answer. It is the truth that truly sets you free and from that well come the most beautiful feelings and emotions, a river that will never run dry. The Psalmist was also able to say, "though You slay me, yet will I praise You." Once the heart changes the desires change with it. 

2You crave what you do not have. You kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. 4You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.…James 4:2-4

Praise Him and whatever it is that plagues you, you will know He is more than able to see you through. 

Read More

#707 The Prayers That Preach

The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evildoers assail me

to eat up my flesh,

my adversaries and foes,

it is they who stumble and fall.

3 Though an army encamp against me,

my heart shall not fear;

though war arise against me,

yet I will be confident.

4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,

that will I seek after:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

and to inquire in his temple.

5 For he will hide me in his shelter

in the day of trouble;

he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;

he will lift me high upon a rock.

6 And now my head shall be lifted up

above my enemies all around me,

and I will offer in his tent

sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;

be gracious to me and answer me!

8 You have said, “Seek my face.”

My heart says to you,

“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

9 Hide not your face from me.

Turn not your servant away in anger,

O you who have been my help.

Cast me not off; forsake me not,

O God of my salvation!

10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,

but the Lord will take me in.

11 Teach me your way, O Lord,

and lead me on a level path

because of my enemies.

12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;

for false witnesses have risen against me,

and they breathe out violence.

13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living!

14 Wait for the Lord;

be strong, and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!  Psalm 27 ESV

 The Lord is my light - Mathew Henry wrote: David’s subjects called him the light of Israel, 2 Sa. 21:17 . And he was indeed a burning and a shining light: but he owns that he shone, as the moon does, with a borrowed light; what light God darted upon him reflected upon them: The Lord is my light. God is a light to his people, to show them the way when they are in doubt, to comfort and rejoice their hearts when they are in sorrow. It is in his light that they now walk on in their way, and in his light they hope to see light for ever. "He is my salvation, in whom I am safe and by whom I shall be saved.’’ - Matthew Henry

They who stumble and fall - Though they come many, though they come hardened and even thinking themselves in the right, yet it is they who stumble. David need not lift a hand at times for often the Lord allows our enemies to fall on their own swords. When you hear the wind rustling through the tree tops know that the Lord has gone out before you. Know that nothing can happen outside the knowledge and sovereignty of God, so only be about your Father's business, and there is nothing left to fear. They may still come at you, stumbling in the dark, like the men of Sodom, but hold fast the door against them, tell them Who you belong to.  

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.” And Judas, His betrayer, was standing there with them. 6 When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered.…John 18: 5-7

One thing - If you could have anything, what one thing would you ask? David has a kingdom, riches, friends, and a life of adventure and renown, but He would ask instead for the presence of the Lord. The prodigal son wished to be a servant of his father, not to have more money to repeat or continue in the world, but to be a servant in his father's house. I see pastors begging for people to exercise faith so that they "receive a blessing", when he is really asking that they bless him financially, and here is no faith, only greed. They have the job, the calling, the wonderful duty of waiting upon the Lord, studying His word, seeking His face and so blessing others by reflecting His glory, but they do not know that to be the thing to covet, to want. The king would love to be in God's presence, in His courts, to perform the duties of the temple, offer up His praises, but many a pastor would rather be the king. 

I will sing - In the midst of my enemies, I know Who my deliverer is. I know the truth regardless of what they say about me. I am a citizen.

On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.…Acts 16: 24-26

Have forsaken me - Friends, family, feelings and the things we held to be dear in this world will at some point let us down. The Psalmist, like an orphan, can handle all those disappointments as long as he is adopted by God. Lord, though I fail and often deserve Your correction, please keep as Your child nonetheless, do not let our separation be permanent. God guide me back, for You have said, "seek my face", and here I am, crying in the dark, Lord find me, show me. Let me lose the whole of this world, but Lord please take me in.

Teach me - My enemies are ready to point out my every weakness, but for Your great name teach me. Help me to walk on the right path, so if they say things against me, let them only be true of my past, or let the lies come back upon them. Don't allow my feet to slip so that they brag against You on account of me. Let me have Your word and with it the understanding and also the life. Since You are holy then let me answer the call to holiness. 

Let your heart take courage - In a little while, a very short time, we will be with the Father. 

After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4: 17-18

Read More

#706 Company

Vindicate me, O Lord,

for I have walked in my integrity,

and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me;

test my heart and my mind.

3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes,

and I walk in your faithfulness.

4 I do not sit with men of falsehood,

nor do I consort with hypocrites.

5 I hate the assembly of evildoers,

and I will not sit with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands in innocence

and go around your altar, O Lord,

7 proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,

and telling all your wondrous deeds.

8 O Lord, I love the habitation of your house

and the place where your glory dwells.

9 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,

nor my life with bloodthirsty men,

10 in whose hands are evil devices,

and whose right hands are full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;

redeem me, and be gracious to me.

12 My foot stands on level ground;

in the great assembly I will bless the Lord. Psalm 26 ESV

Vindicate me oh Lord - In this world, men of integrity are not men without temptation. They are not sinless men, but rather repentant and seeking to be separated from sin both in it's identity and practice. Regardless of the circumstances, David has put his faith in the Lord and he ask the Lord to prove this and try him. See if there is wickedness in me and remove it, see if I have trusted in other than You and lead me to Yourself. 

Sit with men of falsehood - One of the hardest trials in David's life was self inflicted, but in trying to cover up his sin against Uriah he entered into a very dark place with a man of low conscience. David came to hate the way Joab operated but chose to do little if nothing about it. These verses remind me of his discussion with his son Solomon on the matter. To sit is to linger, to sit is to show too much respect for and to be seen as accepting. David wants to break free from those who despise God's ways. 

Breaking free of Joab 

I wash my hands - It is good to not be guilty of a thing and it is better still to use our influence to prevent it at all. Regardless of our technical innocence, let us be quick to praise God lest we fall to the other and most original of sins, pride. It is Your wondrous deeds that have brought me here, that have caused in me the desire to seek You and separate myself from wickedness.

Bloodthirsty men - I think this describes Joab well, but David was a man of war himself, and so he probably knew many like this. Those that do not value all life have disregarded their own unknowingly. We do not have to stay where we started, but the opening of the eye by the spirit brings also the grace to love our brother as well. How precious are all these lives, they do not belong to me, so I must respect them as the Creator's. David wanted to be found with God in death, not with sinners. Christ has made this possible by taking on the form of sinful man and hanging between thieves and sinners on the cross. 

Redeem - I see the way of the wicked now, and I would like to take another path though they scorn me and remind me of my past. Be gracious to me, oh God, it is You that has brought me to level ground, that keeps me from slipping back. 

Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5: 20-21

Read More

#705 Spilled Out

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

2 O my God, in you I trust;

let me not be put to shame;

let not my enemies exult over me.

3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;

they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;

teach me your paths.

5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation;

for you I wait all the day long.

6 Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love,

for they have been from of old.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;

according to your steadfast love remember me,

for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!

8 Good and upright is the Lord;

therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

9 He leads the humble in what is right,

and teaches the humble his way.

10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,

for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

11 For your name's sake, O Lord,

pardon my guilt, for it is great.

12 Who is the man who fears the Lord?

Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.

13 His soul shall abide in well-being,

and his offspring shall inherit the land.

14 The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,

and he makes known to them his covenant.

15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,

for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,

for I am lonely and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;

bring me out of my distresses.

18 Consider my affliction and my trouble,

and forgive all my sins.

19 Consider how many are my foes,

and with what violent hatred they hate me.

20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!

Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.

21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me,

for I wait for you.

22 Redeem Israel, O God,

out of all his troubles. Psalm 25 ESV

These Psalms are also great prayers, the incense, the offering of which here is the petitioner's very soul. There is no safer place for it, no better place to identify with than the will of God, which is a most sovereign thing and independent of our wants or fears. They are still there for the poet, but look he is asking for help with this all the same, "let me not be put to shame." If I profess You, don't let my enemies stand gloating over me. He reassures himself that this is not the case for those who seek God, who resign to follow in His works, but rather shame shall find those who are deliberately reckless in their sin. Lord, I believe, please help me with my unbelief.

perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. 6 For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.…Romans 5: 4-6

Make me to know Your ways - In order to avoid the damages and embarrassment of sin we need to know what sin is, not just the symptom but also the root. Your ways are holy God, and I need  to understand them less I fall into offense. What seems right or just to me in my fallen nature, may be quite the opposite. 

God of my salvation - I want to know about You, what pleases You, what glorifies You, because You saved me. I happily wait upon you, not just sitting here, but as a servant waits upon his master so I wait upon you, what would You like me to bring You? What can I do that would bring honor to You?

Sins of my youth - The writer is not delusional when he speaks of things like integrity in other places. He is not saying that he is without sin, but rather asking that his sins be blotted out. He is confessing his failure and asking for grace based upon God's goodness.

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. 20 The Law was given so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased,grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness, to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.…Romans 5: 19-21

He leads the humble - It is the sick that need a physician, and also instruction towards being well. When a man recognizes pain, sickness or death's shadow, he may not know how to heal himself of such a plague, but he is infinitely better off than the man that refuses to acknowledge his condition. He leads and teaches what is right and the way, and though it is all of Him and from Him, yet He rewards those on the path that He has brought them to with His steadfast love and faithfulness. 

For Your name's sake - I ask You to forgive my sin, Oh God, not because I deserve it or because of who I am, but because of Your greatness, Your mercy, because of Who You are. Pardon my guilt for it is great, and this is a mercy that we have guilt, that we are shown our wickedness, that we are not left to think so highly and inappropriately of ourselves. It is a mercy that we are not just left here to know that we are sinners, but that there is a place to take such pain, a place to trade our every sin for hope, to find forgiveness.

Who fear Him - The terror of the Lord will be for the ungodly, those that trust in themselves. This fear is the fear of those wanting to be upright, who are humbled by their sin. It is an honest knowledge that whatever men may do or give, it is as they are, perishing. God is not dying, and the fear of Him is the deep respect that one knows when they are in the presence of the Creator, the righteous judge. It is also the fear of the child in disappointing.  

May integrity and uprightness preserve me - Regardless of what the situation looked like, David's hope would not change, it would rest in God. He will wait for God, and a man of integrity will always ask what is God's will and what does His word say, that is what I want to do and where I want to walk. There is no situational ethics with the Lord, He remains the same and clear. Let me have this integrity also God, that I wait upon You, that I don't even speak unless it be blameless before You. 

But in this way God has fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Christ would suffer. 19 Repent, then,and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you.…Acts 3: 18-20

Read More

#704 Fullness

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.


3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah


7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory! Selah Psalm 24 ESV

And the fullness thereof - It's my life I use to say, it's my body I hear people say today, as if this is a clear cut case against any other claim of authority. But tell me then, when did you create your life, how did you make your body? How is it then that in procreation you also claim that the body of someone inside of you is also you or yours to decide? Every atom of my being and all that I can see or walk upon is founded by the words of God speaking it into existence. The things that I can study are observable because they follow patterns, logic, reason and order. It is time to stop honoring myself and pay glory to the God Who created the earth, there is nothing that doesn't ultimately belong to Him. Lord God, do not give me away, let me be found in Your Son and reflecting Your Son.

"The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." The whole round world is claimed for Jehovah, "and they that dwell therein" are declared to be his subjects. When we consider the bigotry of the Jewish people at the time of Christ, and how angry they were with our Lord for saying that many widows were in Israel, but unto none of them was the prophet sent, save only to the widow of Sarepta, and that there were many lepers in Israel, but none of them was healed except Naaman the Syrian,--when we recollect, too, how angry they were at the mention of Paul's being sent to the Gentiles, we are amazed that they should have remained in such blindness, and yet have sung this psalm, which shows so clearly that God is not the God of the Jews only, but of the Gentiles also. What a rebuke is this to those wiseacres who speak of the negro and other despised races as though they were not cared for by the God of heaven! If a man be but a man the Lord claims him, and who dares to brand him as a mere piece of merchandise! The meanest of men is a dweller in the world, and therefore belongs to Jehovah. Jesus Christ had made an end of the exclusiveness of nationalities. There is neither barbarian, Scythian, bond not free; but we all are one in Christ Jesus. - C. H. Spurgeon

Who Shall ascend - If all have sinned, if the Bible is God's word, if He is holy and ever against sin, then who can stand before Him and by what means? The Psalmist supplies an answer in verse 4, he who has clean hands and a pure heart. Oh, well that does not look any more hopeful for me. My heart is wicked and deceitful, David's hands are covered in blood, and we are all fallen regardless of how we like to see ourselves. Lifting up our souls, consoling ourselves by vain means, telling ourselves that there is another way, that our earthly pursuits are more valuable, riches are more sure, leaves us to swear by nothing that God recognizes. Who then? Who then is worthy?

Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through an eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” 27 But Jesus said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”…Luke 18: 25-27

Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice,“Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it.…Revelation 5: 1-3

Who seek the face of the God of Jacob - Ask the questions, seek Him while He may be found. There is a way that God has provided, and all this points forward to One, Who is eternally worthy. Not the god of your imagination, not your works which are as filthy rags, but the God of Jacob, Who is defined by His own words, the inspired scriptures. Seek Him through His Son, look at Psalm 22, He made the way. He made it possible to stand before God, to know of God, and to be at peace with God. 

Who is the king of Glory - None other than the Lord strong and mighty. Lift up the gates, He has returned. He has waged war and won, He has crushed the head of the serpent and set the captives free. Come seek Him Who was born with a clean heart, Who was able to satisfy the justice of God.

For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those He predestined He also called; those He called He also justified; those He justifiedHe also glorified. 31What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?…Romans 8: 29-31

Read More

#703 The Good Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23 KJV

“It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea–shore. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. It has poured balm and consolation into the heart of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching griefs, of orphans in their loneliness. Dying soldiers have died easier as it was read to them; ghastly hospitals have been illuminated; it has visited the prisoner, and broken his chains, and, like Peter’s angel, led him forth in imagination, and sung him back to his home again. It has made the dying Christian slave freer than his master, and consoled those whom, dying, he left behind mourning, not so much that he was gone, as because they were left behind, and could not go too.” (Beecher, cited in Spurgeon)

One of the first passages I memorized as a child, and surely there is great comfort to be found herein, not just in the repeating but also the believing. 

The Lord is my Shepherd - David draws upon an image that he is quite familiar with. He was the youngest of His father's sons and so he was the tender of the flock. For some in the old world this was one of the lesser jobs to be associated with, but here David heaps so much honor upon it as to call the Lord his own Shepherd. King David has called God his King, and the earthly king is not ashamed of his own pastoral heritage, but the shepherd king here numbers himself as among God's sheep. Our Lord Jesus was not embarrassed by this analogy either, and in calculating and careful manner, it was the shepherds standing watch by night that first heard the news of Christ's birth. 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock.…John 10:10-12

I shall not want - Because the Lord is my Shepherd. I read somewhere that the shepherd was everything to the sheep. They follow him to find food, he is their protector, physician and compass. Knowing that he is there is knowing that all I need is also with him. 

Lie down in green pastures - The shepherd knows not only where to find food but also rest. That he makes the sheep lie down seems to infer that they do not always know what is best by themselves. There is sustenance in the green pastures, it is a comfortable place, and as one writer mentions of sheep, they will not willingly lie down if certain conditions aren't met. If they are afraid then they stand ready to move, if they have the worm or the ground is too wet, then they will not lie down. If their stomachs are empty or the flies are thick then they will want better pastures, but the shepherd knows all these things.

Beside still waters - Be still and know that I am God. It is in the quiet still pools that we can reflect. When the water is undisturbed it is like a mirror, and the truth is the sweetest of all beverages to those who are truly thirsty. Here, in the quiet, the voice of the shepherd is always more clear, His words are ever a song upon the wind and a comfort in the ear. 

Restoreth my soul - What is gained by food and rest? The soul is strengthened, the heart has seen that what the shepherd says and where he leads is good. Wherever He leads I will go. If a thing needs to be restored then it was either spent or a thing needed that had been missing all together. Sheep do not go about interviewing shepherds, it is the shepherd who makes them his sheep, who leaves the 90 and 9 to find the one that is lost and restores him to the safety of the fold. 

I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, 15 just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.…John 10: 14-16

For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me. 39 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”…John 6: 38-40

His name's sake - For the sake of His own good name, that what He says He will accomplish by His own power. As Clarke so well puts it:

i. For His name’s sake: “To display the glory of his grace, and not on account of any merit in me. God’s motives of conduct towards the children of men are derived from the perfections and goodness of his own nature.” (Clarke)

Valley of the shadow of death - Death was once a thing to be feared, and sometimes the thought of it still frightens us, but our great Shepherd has conquered the grave, so all that is left is but a shadow, a bark without a dog. It is no longer a place of fear for the Shepherd leads us, and while all the rest of the world may groan or panic, the apostle says, "for me to live is Christ and to die is gain." 

Thy rod and Thy staff - Moses was the prophet who lead Israel out of Egypt, who also declared unto them them the word of Lord. Aaron was the priest who ministered unto the Lord, the hook that brought the sheep back to what the Lord had said. Both of them were mere shadows of the Prophet/Priest/King to come. Moses failed when he took his staff and struck the rock in anger, this was not the direction of the Lord. Aaron failed to establish the rod, rather than guiding the people back from destruction he led them to commit idolatry after they had agreed to what the Lord had said, "thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images." It is the same for shepherds today, the preachers and elders in our churches, they should not go where God has not brought them, and they should lead according to the word of God. If they would like to be prophets then they must profess the word of God, neither adding to or taking away from the completed work of the Bible. There is a path that has been laid and I remember my wife's dog Eli, he was an Australian shepherd. When we would walk with him on the beach, I would wait till he wandered ahead and then I would stray off to the side. When he saw this he would come guide me back, but if I ran he would nip my heels. Thy rod and Thy staff do comfort me, if I look up it is there to protect me, to see the way to go, and if I stray then then You will draw me back.  

The presence of mine enemies - Even in a world that hates You, with enemies present all around, yet You still manage to provide for me, to sup with me. If you live in the world and have no enemies, then it is questionable that you have ever stood for anything. If Christ had enemies, and you are in Christ, then in the world you will have tribulation, but be not discouraged for He has overcome the world. David knew well the demands of a shepherd, he had killed both the lion and the bear, but there were also thieves who would rather steal what someone else had cared for then get it legitimately on their own. Remember to keep your eyes on the shepherd, for the time of the thief is passing quickly. 

Thou anointest my head with oil - You have declared me as Your own, Your spirit has been placed in me. Not only is my cup full but it is overflowing, so I must take this message, the joy of my salvation and tell the world the riches of what You have done.  

Goodness and mercy - Regardless of the toils of this life, as I look back, I have been waited upon by these two great angels. Even on the darkest days they have brought light and oh it was not in me but rather Your mercy that guided me, that showed me the way, that took my vile nature upon Yourself. You put Yourself in harms way, when I was lost You found me, You broke my legs and carried me. I became Your burden, and then I learned to walk under the shadow of Your wings. You did not leave me in my filth, but cleansed and sanctified me unto Yourself, so that I might dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

Read More