Read Psalm
19-21 & Acts
19:21-41
To discover:
As you read consider the ways
God’s mighty power is seen.
To ponder:
The
famous Psalm 19 begins affirming God’s revelation of his “glory” (ie.
manifestation of his excellence) in the “heavens” (meaning sky). Constantly
they “proclaim” his works - presumably the numberless stars that mark the night
and the various weather patterns seen by day. And so, no matter what someone’s
language, all people everywhere receive knowledge of God the Creator – that he
is mighty, beautiful, and good - as the stars regulated the season and the
weather enabled crops to grow. The focus on the “sun” stresses its glory, like
the splendour of a bridegroom, and its universal benefit, as “nothing is hidden
from its heat.” So, God’s own majesty and kindness is known by all people.
Perhaps there is also a suggestion that he awaits their response as a groom
awaits his bride.
Further revelation is however needed
for this. It is scripture that brings the soul good (19v7-11). It is perfect,
trustworthy, right and radiant, giving renewal, wisdom, joy, and sight in how
to live. And so, God’s law is to be cherished like treasure or sweet honey, as
it brings the “fear of the LORD” which endures forever. By this means it
therefore warns against wickedness and grants “reward” for obedience. In the
light of this, David is convicted of his sin and so asks for God’s forgiveness,
and his restraining help (19v12-13), praying that in what he says and the
thoughts of his heart, he would be pleasing to God (19v14). The psalm therefore
tells us the way to righteousness is to cherish and obey scripture, whilst
praying for God to work within us. By this means it teaches how we should
respond to his glory as displayed throughout the world.
Psalm 20 begins with a
congregational concern that the LORD help and protect his anointed king, and
from his “sanctuary” in Zion as
before. The grounds for their appeal are the king’s godly devotion, displayed
in his sacrifices and offerings (20v3). The prayer that God would give “the
desire of your heart” refers to the king’s battle plans and so desire for
victory (20v4-5 and 21v1-2), in which the people promise to rejoice. In
anticipation of that victory, the psalm goes on to affirm “the LORD saves his
anointed,” and that whereas those who trust in the tools of war fall, the
congregation trust in “the name” (ie. character and authority) of their God and
so will rise and stand. Christ does not need our prayers for his help and
protection, but we are still to pray for his progressive victory over evil and
death. Moreover, the psalm ensures we trust God as we do this, not in formulae
or people.
Psalm 21 looks back on the victory
God might have granted in response to Psalm 20. David rejoices because God has
granted his desire and request in giving him his victories. Not only has he
been blessed with being made king and being kept alive, but he has been given a
promise that his descendents would reign for ever (21v4, see 2 Sam 7v10-14).
Moreover, he has “glory” and “splendour” through his victories – ie.
acknowledgement and honour from others. He also has the “eternal blessing” of
joy in God’s presence (ie. at the tabernacle where God dwelt), knowing that
because he trusts God, he has God’s love and will never be shaken by
opposition. Of course all this originally expressed David’s gratitude. But,
prophetically, it also speaks of Christ, who has conquered, been crowned, and
who literally lives forever, receiving the honour of nations and eternally
rejoicing in God’s presence. In the light of this, although David’s affirmation
that God will seize and consume those who plot evil against him (21v8-12) would
have originally referred to those who stood against David as God’s anointed, it
speaks also of the final judgement of those who oppose God by opposing Christ
(2 Thess 1v7-9). The final prayer that God be exalted (21v13) is therefore the
heartbeat of the psalm. For God to give his king victory is for he himself to
be honoured above all for his mighty strength in judging the wicked and so
establishing his kingdom of righteousness.
Praying it home:
Praise God for using his power to
execute justice and establish his kingdom. Pray that you would trust him alone
for victory over evil, and therefore prayerfully cherish and obey the
scriptures so that you would overcome sin.
Thinking
further:
None today.
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