SUNDAYS

This psalm is nearly identical to Psalm 14. When we spoke about Psalm 14, I noted this psalm is really a cry to the Lord to change the hearts of those who deny His presence. When David opens these psalms with "the fool says in his heart, "There is no God," immediatley the one who says this is turned off from listening to the rest of the psalm. Its is too bad too, because Daivd ends with "Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!" From this verse alone, we know that this psalm was written for Israel, and for their specific restoration as the called out nation of God, but it obviously applies to us today as well, at least in priciple. Consider 1 Timothy 2:4, where Paul says that the Lord "desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth," or 2 Peter 3:9, where Peter says that the Lord is "not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." You see, the Lord calls the unbeliever a fool because he has denied the Lord, despite the fact that even creation has revealed His presence (see Romans 1:18-21). Others have heard the Gospel message directly, and have still denied the invitation to salvation. This is why they are fools, not as an insult, but because of the refusal for eternal life. Our responsibility, as Christians, is too keep praying for them, and to continue to share Jesus, and live our lives in obedience as an outward illustration on how our hearts have been changed. Will you do that?

#jesus #biblestudy

This psalm takes place in 1 Samuel 21-22, when David fled from Saul, leading to the slaughter of those who helped David. Worth this background in mind, seemingly, David is speaking of Saul when he says “why do you boast of evil, O mighty man?” The next three verses describe this type of person. Think about that. Don’t we see that in our culture today? The culture today has shifted where sin is celebrated and widely accepted. David knows, and it is a good reminder for us, that even though these people who love their sin are accepted and celebrated, God will break them down forever. He will not let the sinner prevail. This psalm shows us that sin is not and never is the right choice. We find refuge in the Lord, not sin. Despite what David went through with Saul consistently chasing him down, like sin chases us, David can end his psalm confidently saying, “I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.” It takes faith to turn from sin, and towards the Lord. But notice the word “forever” that David used, the pleasures associated with sin are temporary, while Gods steadfast love is eternal. Wouldn’t you prefer an eternal and pure love? 

#jesus #biblestudy

This psalm is similar to Psalm 32, and some believe they were written after the same event, David’s sin with Bathsheba and all of the effects of this wicked sin. At least we know for sure that this psalm does take place after Nathan rebukes David for his sin.  We see Nathan rebuking David for his sin with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 12, and the recap of this sin is found in 2 Samuel 11. What I find to be fascinating in this psalm of confession is the many descriptive words David uses for sin. In verse 1, David asks for his transgressions to be blotted our. In verse 2, he speaks of his iniquities and asks to be washed from it. In verse 4, David acknowledges that he had sinned against the Lord and that sin is evil. Note again that David confessed to God, “against You, You only I have sinned.” David recognized that sin against man, is sin against the Lord. David recognizes that only the Lord game make Him justifies and blameless. Finally, David also has many requests of God in relation to forgiveness. He requests to be taught and purged. He requested to be washed and restored. And finally, he requested deliverance. Once again, we see David’s faith. He knew that the Lord will forgive. He also teaches us how essential this process is through confession. When David requests for the Lord to “create in me a clean heart”, where we must note that the idea here is a new heart. Think about it, the heart of man is deceitful (see Jeremiah 17:9), so it is unclean. The Lord gives us a new heart, one that is more aligned with the Lord. Isn’t that the heart you would desire to have? That’s possible through confession and repentance. 

#jesus #biblestudy