TODAY’S READING: PSALM 106-109
OVERVIEW:
A recounting ofIsrael’s rebellion and the Lord’s faithfulness to deliver them; the deliverance of the Lord in the troubles of life; the psalmist’s praise of the Lord and his cry of supplication for victory; the vengeance of God meted out upon His enemies.
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
As we pick up in Psalm 106 in today’s reading, the psalmist continues his praise and thanks to the Lord as he recounts God’s mercy throughIsrael’s history. Note that verse 8 identifies God’s ultimate purpose inIsrael’s deliverance in the exodus: “Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.” God repeats that overarching principle in several places in the Old Testament. In Exodus9:16God said that the real issue was “that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” As God told Ezekiel what to say to the elders of Israel in Ezekiel 20, as He recounted Israel’s history, He said in verse 9, “But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.” The reason these verses are so significant, is that God lets us know in I Corinthians 10:1-6, 11, that Israel’s exodus out of the bondage of Egypt was just a picture of our exodus from the bondage of sin and the world (II Tim.2:26; Eph. 2:2). (Note thatEgyptis always a picture of sin and/or the world in the Bible!) What that lets us know is that in the final analysis, contrary to fundamental Bible-believing, Laodicean thought, and teaching, the purpose of our salvation was not first and foremost for our benefit, though incredible beneficiaries we are! The real purpose of our salvation was God’s glory! He saved us for “His name’s sake” (Ps. 106:8a; Ezek. 20:9)! He saved us so that His “mighty power could be known” (Ps. 106:86)! He saved us so His name could be “declared throughout all the earth” (Ex.9:16)!
Please take the time to understand that this is far more than a moot point! This simple point concerning the purpose of our salvation smacks totally against everything that even fundamental, Bible-believing Christianity in the Laodicean Age (1901 A.D. – Rapture – Rev. 3:14-22) believes and teaches!
The “Christianity” OF OUR DAY:
- Says that Christianity is primarily about God benefiting His creatures (i.e. God exists for us)
- Says that the most important thing to God is people.
- Asks, “What do I need to do to gain God’s blessing?” (i.e. Seeks God’s hand)
The “Christianity” OF THE BIBLE:
- Says that Christianity is primarily about God glorifying His Son. (i.e. we exist for God)
- Says that the most important thing to God is His glory (i.e. His name)
- Asks, “What can I do to most glorify God?” (i.e. Seeks God’s face)
No wonder Paul said, “In the last days perilous times shall come. (II Tim. 3:1), and that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (I Tim. 4:1)! Be very careful and discerning!
Based on what I Cor. 10:6 and 11 says, the things that the psalmist lays out aboutIsrael’s history in Psalm 106 provide limitless application for our lives.
The theme of Psalm 107 is, “Oh that men would praise the Lord of his goodness, and for his wonderful works, to the children of men!” (See verse 8, 15, 21 and 31). All of the verses in between are designed to help you do just that. Again, the applications of these verses to our lives are limitless!
In Psalm 108, note that the first 5 verses are a replica of Psalm 57:7-11 and verses 7-10 are a replica of Psalm 60:6-9.
There is certainly an historical application to David’s life in Psalm 109, but the psalm is not primarily about David’s situation, but the Messiah’s humiliation, His confrontation with Satan, His victory over death, and the ultimate vindication of His life as the Father executes His vengeance.
Though David composed this Psalm (under the inspiration of God, of course), the words actually compose the prayer of the Lord Jesus Christ, and every aspect of the prayer will be answered to the letter!
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
As the ONE WHO MAKES THE STORM A CALM – Ps. 107:29 (Matt. 8:27; John 14:27)