PSALM 95 - WORSHIP & OBEDIENCE TO OUR FATHER GOD AND HIS SON JESUS

 INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 95; Hebrews 3:7-4:11

Psalm 95 is the 1st of six PRAISE AND WORSHIP PSALMS that David wrote, speaking of God's greatness in creation. It has been used in the Synagogue for the Jew's Sabbath worship. We are encouraged in this Psalm to:

* Praise and Worship the Lord (Verses 1-7).

* Think about our life and whether or not we are obedient to God's Word (Verses 8-11).

"Everything that has been created gives glory to the Lord. This Psalm writer encourages his people to bring an offering  of worship to God. He also calls for submission from His creation." 

                                                                                                            Max Lucado.

Worship must come from obedient, sincere hearts, and therefore, the two parts of this Psalm are of equal importance. We are "CALLED TO WORSHIP", but we are also warned in the 'HARDENING OF OUR HEARTS". This is why this psalm was "quoted and analysed" in Hebrews 3:7-4:11. The writer of Hebrews was certain that David was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and like David, he too was encouraging his readers - the early Christians - in their struggling faith.

"So, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in their rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness, where your ancestors tested and tried Me, though for 40 years they saw what I did. That I was angry with that generation; I said, "Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways." Hebrews 3:7&8  (NLT)

"As Jesus was greater than Moses, the Hebrew Christians were partakers in Christ and had confidence in holding fast. Like us today, they had no excuse not to TRUST AND OBEY." 

                                                                                                         Roger Hahn

PRAISE & WORSHIP - Read Psalm 95:1-7

In the 1st part of this Psalm we are motivated to PRAISE AND WORSHIP our Father God,  and His Son Jesus, though David himself is yet to know Jesus personally. 

HOW ARE WE ENCOURAGED TO DO THIS?

* With a JOYFUL NOISE.

* With  MUSIC AND SONG.

* By BOWING DOWN in humility.

* TOGETHER in God's presence.

"Come let us sing for joy to the Lord....let us come before Him with thanksgiving, and extol Him with music and song......Come, let us bow down and worship, let  us kneel before the Lord our Maker He is our God."  Psalm 95:1,2 & 6&7 (NIV0

The song of praise is a joyful noise. When we humble down before the Lord we have much to "shout joyfully" about, as His children. With a happy and enthusiastic heart, we can use music and songs to show the Lord how grateful we are for His blessings. 

 

"When we praise and worship the Lord, all our desires and needs are met." Lindsay Terry

"Our worship should express a heart of thanksgiving for a God who has done so much for us."

                                                                                                  David Guzik

There is a "gentle plea" for God's people to "bow down and worship Him".  It's easy to let the busyness and difficulties of life to overwhelm us and cut off our focus for worship. But when we humble ourselves and look into the holiness of God, our Spirit is refreshed. Worship is also a way to exemplify our devotion to God's Son, Jesus Christ, as we serve Him in humility. 

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." James 4:10 (NIV)

David mentions honouring God and His Son Jesus, with a conscious awareness that we are in their presence. Do you want the joy of a clos relationship with them? You can have this by  simple confession of your faith in worship! 

WHY SHOULD WE PRAISE & WORSHIP?

Again, David reminds us that there are 4 reasons why we need to praise and worship our Father God and His Son Jesus.

* He is our SAVIOUR.

* He is the KING OF KINGS.

* He is our CREATOR.

* He is our GOOD SHEPHERD.

"Let us shout aloud to the ROCK OF OUR SALVATION...........For the Lord is the great God, the GREAT KING above all gods......The sea is His, for HE MADE IT, and His hand formed the dry land......We are the PEOPLE OF HIS PASTURE, THE FLOCK UNDER HIS CARE"

                                                                         Psalm 95:1b,3,5 7b (NIV)

Jesus is our SAVIOUR, "the rock of our salvation". As a child of God, one of the main reasons we have to worship Him is because He sent His Son to SAVE AND REDEEM US. 

"I know that my REDEEMER lives and in the end He will stand on the earth." Job 19:25  (NLT)

"For God did not send His Son into the world, to condemn the world, but to SAVE THE WORLD."

                                                                                                      John 3:17

God and His Son Jesus have great power and sovereignty as the KING OF KINGS. We need to understand their greatness whenever we worship them. 

"We have the right to worship God with great gladness, but never without a sense of His majesty."

                                                                                       G. Campbell Morgan

God's greatness is illustrated by His creation. From the lowest valleys - "the depths of the earth" to the highest "mountain peaks", from the "seas" to the "dry lands". We owe our "humble worship" to God because we are His children and HE MADE US. HE IS OUR MAKER AND CREATOR. It is right that our Creator should be our "restorer and reconciler" as we kneel before Him. 

"Through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see - such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him and for Him.....For God in all His fulness was pleased to live in Christ, and through Him God reconciled everything to Himself."

                                                                            Colossians 1:16 & 19. (NLT) 

"If God owns the sea, because He made it, HE OWNS YOU, BECAUSE HE MADE YOU TOO. You are His creation, you belong to Him. He claims  you, will you dispute His claim?" 

                                                                                      Charles Spurgeon

As children of God, we are part of the Good Shepherd's flock. He leads us into His shelter and protects us from "enemies". We are dependent on Him, and without our Shepherd we have little hope of life. We may wander and "get lost" and then "what would be the consequences?"  With God and His Son Jesus as our Good Shepherds, we have nothing to fear, for we have CARE AND COMFORT. 

"For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search and find my sheep. I will be like a shepherd looking for His scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places they were scattered on a dark and cloudy day.  I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign Lord. I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak."  Ezekial 34:11,12&15

"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep. .....I know my sheep and my sheep know me." John 10:11&14

"Yahweh is our God - our SHEPHERD - and "we are the sheep of His pasture" - and the sheep of His hand and His special care."  David Guzik

                                  

HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO GOD - Read Psalm 95-8-11;                                                                    Hebrews 3:7-4:11

Almost all Hebrews 3:7-4:11 is a quotation of Psalm 95:11. David, like the writer of Hebrews is giving a warning and exhortation for their readers to live "godly lives". This meant:

* LIVING IN HUMILITY, without a "hardened heart".

* SHOWING DEVOTION, TRUST AND OBEDIENCE to their Father God and His Son Jesus.

The Hebrew word for HEARING the Word of God is the same as OBEYING. If you want to hear God's voice and to benefit from what He says in His Word, make sure you LISTEN with a SOFT, OPEN HEART. The Hebrews, like the Israelites, were under pressure to deny their faith. They were facing persecution. "Merribah" and Massah" were CODE WORDS for TESTING. 

"The Lord says: "Don't harden your hearts as Israel did at Merribah , as they did at Massah, in the wilderness. For their your ancestors tested and tried my patience even though they saw everything I did."  Psalm 95:8&9  (NIV)

This was a self examination for the Hebrew Christians who were being deceived by sin and were failing to stay true to Jesus Christ. Devotion to God and His Son, Jesus is exemplified by humble service and obedience to His will - by loving and caring for others, and being faithful to God's word.

The Hebrew's warning was similar to that of the Israelites. When we turn away from God, we have nothing to turn to, and have been excluded from "eternal rest". They rejected Him, and He condemned their "generation of unbelievers" to die in the wilderness. 

"Watch out, lest you have an evil, unbelieving heart, that turns away from the living God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God, just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ." Hebrews 3:12&14 (NLT)

"Something is wrong when a worshipper does not obey and trust God." Charles Spurgeon

Fortunately, there were faithful believers in the next generation after Moses', who entered the Promised Land - people like Joshua, Caleb, Rahab; and then David himself who:

"Walked with God, , enjoyed a relationship with Him and were devoted to God and His Word."

                                                                                     David Guzik

"And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among the people. I the Lord, have spoken."  Ezekial 34:24 (NLT)

We too, like David and the "godly people" have been given the opportunity to "enter into the rest of God and His Son Jesus Christ"; not to wander astray in the wilderness. Because of Their TENDERNESS, LOVE AND GRACE, this "eternal, Sabbath rest" is available to us.

"God's promise of  entering His rest still stands, so we ought not to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this GOOD NEWS - that God has prepared this REST - has been announced to us just as it was then. But it did them no good because they didn't share the faith of those who LISTENED TO GOD. For only THOSE WHO BELIEVE CAN ENTER THE REST. .....For God's rest is for people to enter, but those who first heard the GOOD NEWS failed to enter because they disobeyed God. So God set another time for ENTERING HIS REST, AND THAT TIME IS TODAY.....So there is a SPECIAL REST STILL WAITING FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD." 

                                                                 Hebrews 4:1-3, 6,7&9

"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica

"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale Publishers

Alexander, Pat & David, "The Lion Handbook to the Bible", 2009, Lion Hudson.

Bridges, Jerry, "Practices of Godliness - Latest Edition", 1996, NavPress

Guzik, David, "Psalm 98 - God, Worth of our Humble, Obedient Worship", 2002, ewm@enduringword.com

Hahn, Roger, "Voice Bible Study - Hebrews 3:7-4:11, Biblical & Theological Resources for Growing Christians", 2008, Christian Resource Institute

Henru, Matthew & Manser, Martin.H, "The New Matthew Henry Commentary", 2002, Zondervan

Lindsay, Terry, "The Sacrifice of Praise", 2002, Integrity Publishers

Lucado, Max. "The Devotional Bible - New Century Version, Experiencing the Heart of Jesus", 2003, Thomas Nelson

Morgan, G Campbell, "Commentary on  Psalm 95 - Morgan's Exposition on the Bible", 1874-84, studylight.org

Sourgeon, Charles, "The Treasury of David - Commentary on Psalms", 1882/2021, Christianity.com

PSALM 94 - GOD: OUR GREAT JUDGE

 INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 94, Jeremiah 39, 2 Kings 25.        2 Chronicles 36; Daniel 1

Although we are not certain of the writer of this Psalm, it seems to be in the style of David. According to the Jewish Mishah, "it was to be sung by the Levites in the Temple, every Wednesday." It was written in Hebrew for the Jewish people, and they were calling on their Lord - Yaweh, Jehovah - "to punish and judge their wicked leaders". It may have been written during the time of the Babylonian attacks and exile, for the Jews were surrounded by leaders who did not obey God.

It is easy to "grow weary and discouraged" when people around you, especially your leaders, do not follow God and they do not live righteously. But many of the Israelites, like David, remembered that because they were God's children, that He would care and protect them. Their "spirits were lifted up", as, the writer reminds us that when "they agreed to love and obey their Lord", he promised to "BE A SHELTER FOR HIS CHILDREN".

"But the Lord is MY STRONG PLACE, my God is MY ROCK, where I can hide and BE SAFE."

                                                                      Psalm 94:22 (EET)

VENGEANCE FOR BAD LEADERS - Read Psalm 94:1-7

In these first verses of Psalm 94, the writer is complaining about the wicked leaders, both in Jerusalem and in Babylon; where some of the Jews, at this stage, had been exiled. They were particularly concerned that God wasn't doing anything about them.

"The fall of Jerusalem in 586BC meant three important parts of Israel's life: THEIR TEMPLE, THEIR LAND AND THEIR MONARCHY."  C Hassell Bullock

1. NEBUCHADNEZZAR - THE BABYLONIAN LEADER - Jeremiah 39:1-3,         8-10, 52:13-16; 2 Kings 25:9-12; Daniel 1:3-20

NEBUCHADNEZZAR and his Babylonian army captured Jerusalem in 588BC, after 18months of endeavouring to break down their walls. He then seized their land and it's temple, in which Jeremiah had predicted.

"This is what the Lord God of Israel says: "I am about to turn against you the weapons of war that are in your hands, which you are using to fight the king of Babylon and the Babylonians who were outside your walls besieged you. And I will gather them inside the city. I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm in furious anger and in great wrath." 

                                                                               Jeremiah 21:4-5 (NIV)

"So in the 9th year of Zedekiah's reign, on the 10th day of the 10th month, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army. He encamped outside the city and built siege works all around it. The city was kept under siege until the 11th year of Zedekiah." 

                                                                                    2 Kings 25:1-2 (NIV)

As well as taking away the kings of Judah and murdering many people, he also exiled the youngest and wisest of the their people to a foreign land, Babylon. He expected them to worship his idols and serve him. The poor people who were left in Jerusalem were to look after "his" fields and vineyards, as this were in "Nebuchadezzar's interests", for he wanted them to see that he still had power, both in Jerusalem and Babylon.

The people who stayed in Jerusalem thought they were safe, for at least they had their Temple, and could worship their God. But Nebuchadnezzar, took all the Holy things and replaced them with false gods. Later the Chaldeans burned the Royal Palace and the Temple and more people were exiled, except the poorest of the poorest.

2. JEHOAKIM - 8th KING OF JUDAH - 2 Kings 23:36-24:5;                          2 Chronicles 36:5-8; Daniel 1:1&2

"In the 3rd year of the reign of Jehoakim King of Judah, Nevuchadnezzar, king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoakim, king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of his god in Babylon and put them in the treasure house of his god."  Daniel 1:1-2 (NIV)

JEHOAKIM was one of the kings of Judah that Nebuchadnezzar took him to Babylon. He was 25years when he became king, and 3 years into his reign, he was overwhelmed by Nebuchadnezzar's siege. 

 As the son of Josiah he had a godly father, and it would have been great if his legacy had been passed on to his son. Instead, Jehoakim made a choice, and he followed that of his great-grandfather - "he followed an evil path". HE WAS WEAK and EASILY LED by the Babylonian leaders. Why? Some would say it was God's vengeance  for his evil ways. 

"And he did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his predecessors had done." 2 Kings 23:37 (NIV

"Instead, he dug in his heals and subbornly persisted in his evil ways." Jenny Fulton

3. JEOACHIN - SON OF JEHOAKIM - 2 Kings 24:8-15; 2 Chronicles 39:9&10

Like his father, JEOACHIN was under Nebuchadnezzar's reign and was taken to Babylon. He was 18years old when he became king of Judah, and following in his father's ways, he too had done evil, not following the ways of the Lord.

His mother's name was Nehusta, and she, along with her son and his attendents, went in exile to Babylon. Jeohichins nobles and officials all surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar, as his prisoners. 

"Jehoachin was 18 years when he became king, and he reigned 3months and 10 days. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.  In the Spring, King Nebuchadnezzar sent for him and brought him to Babylon, together with articles of value from the Temple of the Lord. He made his uncle Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem." 2 Chronicles 36:9-10 (NIV)

4. ZEDEKIAH - THE LAST OF THE DAVIDIC LINE - Jeremiah 39:4-7, 11-18, 52:1-11; 2 Kings 24:26-25:5; 2 Chronicles 36:11-14

"Zedekiah was 21 years old when he became king and he reigned in Jerusalem 11years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord his God and did  not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the Lord." 2 Chronicles 36:11&12 (NIV)

When ZEDEKIAH saw the invaders come into his city, HE RAN, leaving Jerusalem. When it came to following the Lord he was "neither hot nor cold", - showing faithlessness to both God and his people, the Israelites. He did not show a lot of courage when leading his people and was later caught  by the Chaldean soldiers and taken to Nebuchadnezzar.

Nebuchadnezzar had already "taken" Zedekiah's sons and "in front of their father, he had them killed."

This was the last thing Zedekiah saw for he was then blinded and taken, chained to Babylon. Truly, this last king of David's line was a "pathetic sight" for his people to see.

"Then he put out Zedekiah's eyes, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon, where he was put in prison till the day of his death." Jeremiah 52:11 (NIV)

It was during the time of Zedekiah that the Temple of the Lord was finally defiled and desecrated, and the priests and spiritual leaders became unfaithful to the Lord. 

 

GOD SEES ALL THINGS - Read Psalm 94:8-11, Jeremiah 25

The Psalmist had 3 questions for the wicked leaders, to God's people, the Israelites who had fallen away  and and maybe everyone of us today.

1. Can God hear us?

2. Can God see us?

3. Will God punish us?

God is an omniscient Father. He knows our thoughts and He teaches us right from wrong. So shouldn't the answer to each of these questions be "YES"!

"Does God that made the ear not ear? Does He that made the eyes not see? Will He that rules the world not punish? He teaches people what they know. The Lord knows people's thoughts. Their 

thoughts are worth nothing. " Psalm 94:9-11 (EET)

We would be foolish if we didn't think about God when we acted in certain ways. Not because we are silly, but because it's simply not the wise thing to do. The oppressors of God's people didn't think that God would be noticing their conduct, and therefor they would not be punished. This is why they wouldn't listen to the prophets like Jeremiah and Uriah. And if God would "chastise the heathen", surely He would punish His own people.

"And though the Lord has sent all His servants the prophets to you again and again. you have not listened or paid any attention. They said: "Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the Lord to your ancestors forever and ever. Do not follow other gods and serve and worship them; do not arouse My anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you." "But you did not listen to me," declares the Lord, "and you aroused my anger with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves." 

                                                                                 Jeremiah 25:4-7 (NIV)

WHEN RULERS ARE GOOD - Read Psalm 94:12-15

Some of the people in the land of Jerusalem and Babylon continued to love and serve the Lord, including some of their GOOD LEADERS. 

Righteous people have good in their hearts. They are humble and they show forth the "fruits of the spirit" in their lives.  Most of all, they want to BE OBEDIENT TO THE LORD. Here are some people who continued to love and serve the Lord, even when their nation was destroyed around them. GOD BLESSED THEM!

1. JEREMIAH -  OTHER PROPHETS & SCRIBES - Jeremiah 39:11-14, 40:1-6

JEREMIAH stayed and cared for the people who had been left behind in Jerusalem. Many of these people had abused him and given him reason to despise them, but God had called him to continue in his ministry to them.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

The Lord our God should be our motivation to serve - both "the good, the bad and the ugly". Remember, we have been called to minister, not only to God's children, but also those in "the world who need us to be His witnesses". 

"Now Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had givem these orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan, commander of the Imperial guard: "Take him and look after him; don't harm him and do for him whatever he asks......He sent and had Jeremiah taken out of the courtyard of the guard. They turned him over to Gedeliah, son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to take him back to his home. So he remained among his own people."  Jeremiah 39:11&12

2.GEDALIAH - GOVERNOR OF JUDAH - Jeremiah 40:7-41:2; 2 Kings 25:22-25

GEDALIAH was appointed Governor by the Babylonian authorities, but He was one of the GOOD LEADERS. He had a godly lineage - his father had defended Jeremiah, and his grandfather was involved with King Josiah's repentance.  Jeremiah had been given into his care, as he was another favoured Jew - at least to some people.

Unfortunately, not everyone had been happy with his appointment as Governor. He was later killed by some of his own people.

"When all the army officers and their men heard that the King of Babylon had apppointed Gedaliah as Governor, they came to Ishmael at Mizpah.........In the 7th month. Ishmael, son of Nehemiah, son of Elisham, who was of royal blood, came with ten men and assassinated Gedaliah and also the men of Judah and Babylonia, who were with him at Mispah." 2 Kings 25:23&25

3.EBED-MELECH - A GOOD MAN OD GOD - Jeremiah 39:15-18

The Lord promised to deliver EBED-MELECH from the Babylonian soldiers. He was an Ethiopian soldier, a Gentile who had the concern and welfare of Jeremiah in his heart. He had delivered Jeremiah from Zedekiah's soldiers, and because he trusted in the Lord, he was blessed with an amazing story of SALVATION.

"But I will rescue you on that day, declares the Lord, and you will not be given into the hands of those you fear. I WILL SAVE YOU; and you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life,  because YOU TRUST IN ME, declares the Lord."  Jeremiah 39:17&18

4. DANIEL - AND HIS FRIENDS - Daniel 1:3-20; 3:1-30; 6:1-28

We are introduced to Daniel and his friends, when they "refused to bow down" to Nicodemus' idols or "eat the royal foods" . Daniel and his friends were faithful, righteous, wise and pleasant young men, and God blessed them with special gifts to help serve King Nebuchadnezzar and later King Cyrus, "turning even foreign kings to the true God" .

God protected them as they stayed loyal to God. We know their stories: "Daniel in the Lion's Den", and

"Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the Blazing Furnace". 

"Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him: "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, THE GOD WE SERVE IS ABLE TO DELIVER US from it, and HE WILL DELIVER US from your Majesty's hand. But even if He doesn't, we want you to know, Your Majesty, WE WILL NOT SERVE YOUR GODS or worship the image of gold you have set up."   Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)

"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day HE GOT DOWN ON HIS KNEES AND PRAYED, GIVING THANKS TO HIS GOD, just as he had done  before."  Daniel 6:10(NIV)

May we be comforted in the knowledge that as "one person walking in faith  we can make a difference";

we too, ground and secure in God's presence, can do the same.

WHAT THE LORD DOES FOR HIS PEOPLE -                     Read Psalm 94:16-23

The writer of this Psalm could have been a king, a prophet or even a Temple leader - but whoever he was, we do know that he was in trouble. He may have felt like "he was falling" , but whatever the problem, we do know he was anxious and depressed. He needed to "feel confident in the Lord and happy again."

"When I think, I am falling down, Your special love keeps me safe Lord. When I have troubles in my mind, so that I am not afraid, you help me to be happy again." Psalm 94:18&19 (EET)

He knew that everything would be okay because God would keep his people safe. God promises to:

* Give us rest and never forsake us.

* Judge us righteously.

* Protect us from evildoers.

* Lift us up when we are falling.

* Inwardly comforts our souls.

*Chastises us and teaches us His Word (Law).

CONCLUSION

Whem "the bottom drops out of our lives" and circumstances engulf us with pain and confusion where do you turn? Do you have a shelter? Someone who listens and encourages you? Discouraged and hurting people need a "refuge" - someone who will care for them.

Maybe it will be found for you in the Lord,  like David and the writer of this Psalm. 

"The LORD IS MY ROCK, MY FORTRESS AND MY DELIVERER.

  MY GOD IS MY ROCK IN WHOM I TAKE REFUGE.

  MY SHIELD AND THE HORN OF MY SALVATION

  HE IS MY STRONGHOLD, MY REFUGE, MY SAVIOUR -

  FROM VIOLENT PEOPLE YOU SAVE ME.

  I CALLED TO THE LORD WHO IS WORTHJY TO BE PRAISED

  AND I AM SAVED FROM MY ENEMIES."

                            2 Samuel 22:2-4 (NIV)

"But the LORD IS MY STRONG PLACE and

MY GOD IS A ROCK WHERE I CAN HIDE AND BE SAFE." Psalm 94:22

Devotional Bible, "New Century Version", Max Lucado, 2008, Thomas Nelson

The Holy Bible, "New International Version", 2011, Biblica

"Easy Translation Bible", 2018, Biblica

"The Passion Translation", Psalms, Poetry on Fire, Dr Brian Simmons, 2012, Broadstreet

Alexander, Pat & David, "The Lion Handbook of the Bible", 2009, Lion Hudson.

Churchyard, Gordon. "Psalm 94 - God, Show Us You are a Great Judge.", 2002, www.easyemglish.com

Constable, Dr Thomas, "Jeremiah 39, 2 Kings 24&25- Bible Commentary, Expository Notes," StudyLight.org

Fulton, Jenny, "Who was Jehoakim and What Can We Learn  From Him", 2021, iBelieve.com

PSALM 93 - OUR SOVEREIGN LORD

 INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 93 & Isaiah 6:1-8

This is a short psalm, written by David, in honour of our SOVEREIGN LORD and HIS KINGDOM. Does He have a throne and wear robes? Is he mighty and can triumph over His enemies? Is He faithful and holy? According to David - He does and He is!

This is also a psalm of  omnipotent sovereignty, as David remembers that even though he had opposition throughout his life, the Lord continued to reign. 

"Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in Heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the Kingdom; You are exalted as Head over all."  1 Chronicles 29:11 (NIV)

According to Isaiah, when He was called to serve, the Lord was indeed His Sovereign and Holy Lord. He overwhelmingly described the experienced of when he came face to face with Him.

"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty. the whole earth is full of His glory." Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)

God is the same Sovereign Lord, as He was in Isaiah and David's time. Just like David and Isaiah, I endeavour to live every day in God's presence, and I picture my Sovereign Lord and Father as One who holds me in His powerful, caring hands.

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the baby she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have carved you on the palm of my hand." 

                                                                     Isaiah 49:15-16 (NIV)

"The Lord is indeed King over all the earth - eternal, almighty. His love never changes. His Temple is forever Holy with His presence." Pat & David Alexander

THE LORD REIGNS - Read Psalm 93 & Matthew 6:9-13

The Lord reigns GLORIOUSLY & POWERFULLY; ETERNALLY; TRIUMPHANTLY AND MIGHTY; IN TRUTH AND HOLINESS.

1. Gloriously & Powerfully

"Indeed the Lord is robed in MAJESTY and armed with STRENGTH." Psalm 93:2a (NLT)

The word MAJESTY describes a reflection of our God's nature. Words like "glory, honour, praise, kingdom and authority" point to His exaltation position and His role as our King. The well known praise and worship chorus, "Majesty" highlights words like His "throne, crown, and kingdom", and give us the "unique and overwhelming priviledge to know and be loved by the King of Kings". 

When you say "Thy Kingdom Come" , you are inviting the Lord into your world. "Come my King". Take Your throne and be present in my heart and life. 

"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

The Lord's power is felt in His Kingdom and is established in our hearts. He is clothed in strength and is always powerful. When we say, "They Will Be Done" we are trusting in GOD'S OMNIPOTENCE and we are praying for guidance in every area of our lives.

"Hosanna! Hosanna! All power is in Thine hands and we rejoice to have it." Charles Spurgeon

2. Eternally

"Your throne was established long ago; You are from all ETERNITY." Psalm 93:2b

"From everlasting to everlasting; Thy throne is established of old; Thou art from everlasting."

                                                                    Adam Clarke

It is an everlasting Kingdom for the Lord Himself is eternal. Jeremiah knew that God had an eternal purpose for his life and His people the Israelities. Because God promised, "His Will Be Done". 

We don't always understand God's will, but as God promised Jeremiah, they will be good plans, because we have "sat down in His house" and have "sought the heart of God".

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all my heart." 

                                   Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)

3. Triumphant & Mighty

"Mightier than the thunder of the great waters. Mightier than breakers of the sea. THE LORD ON HIGH IS MIGHTY." Psalm 93:3&4

The Lord had opposition: but he overcame it. Satan was not just an angel who wanted to worship God, he wanted to occupy His throne and take over His Kingdom. He has absolutely no power - only what God permitted. 

Yes, we have trials, rebellion and opposition; just like the "thunder" and "breakers" of the sea, but our Sovereign Lord is MIGHTY and he sits on His throne. He will only allow what we, His Children, can endure. He is "JEHOVAH - SHALOM" - "THE LORD IS PEACE"

"You, dear children, are from God, and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 (NIV)

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But, take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)

God rarely tells us the reasons why He allows suffering, but He does ask us to trust Him even when we don't have the answers. Now and then GOD'S MIGHT brings healing and restoration, and turns a situation around. At other times, our MIGHTY GOD might choose to sustain us through the trial. We will never lose hope as long as we trust in God's character - HIS MIGHTY STRENGTH. 

Are you facing a challenge today? Ask God to walk with you through your difficulties and to reveal Himself through it. 

"The unlimited sovereignty and irresistible power of the great Jehovah are very encouraging to the people of God when they meet all the noise and rush of the world." Matthew Henry

4. Truth & Holiness

"Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O Lord, IS HOLY FOREVER." Psalm 93:5

God's Word and Promises are TRUE. They are as "sure as the rocks that are immovable in the sea". They are unbreakable because of His FAITHFULNESS AND HOLINESS. 

"Hallowed be Thy Name" means that GOD IS HOLY , a "cut above -superior and extroadinary". The Holy One dwells on a different level from the rest of us, but we can still seek His presence. 

"When you set your sights on God you focus on the One who is a cut above any stormy life may bring." Max Lucado

CONCLUSION

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10a

Be still, be quiet, be open and willing. Then you will know that the Lord is Sovereign. Are you troubled and restless? Then rejoice in the Lord's glory, omnipotence, omniscience, faithfulness and holiness. 

"You will keep in perfect peace those minds are steadfast, because they trust in You."

                                                                                                  Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

                           YOUR ANXIETY DECREASES
                 AS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR                                         SOVEREIGN FATHER INCREASES

The Holy Bible, "New International Version", 2011, Biblica

The Holy Bible, "New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

Go Fish, Kids Music, "My God is So Big", 2012, You Tube

Hayford, Jack, "Majesty", 1980, New Spring , You Tube. 

Alexander, Pat & David, "The Lion Handbook to the Bible", 2009, Lion

Henry, Matthew, "Psam 93 - The New Matthew Henry Commentary" , 2021, Blue Letter Bible. com

Lucado, Max, "The Great House of God - The Home of the Heart.", 1997, Thomas Nelsom

Spurgeon, Charles, "The Treasury Of David - Commentary on Psalms", 1885, 2021, Christianity..com

PSALM 92 - WORSHIP GOD'S VIRTUESS

 INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 92

This Psalm was probably written by David, intended for God's people. It was to be sung on the Sabbath Day in the synagogue. Why? Not so much because it was a day of rest, but because it was A DAY OF WORSHIP, when God's people could celebrate with music and song, HIS VIRTUES - HIS LOVE, FAITHFULNESS, RIGHTEOUSNESS, OMNIPOTENCE AND OMNISCIENCE.

It goes on to celebrate GOD'S GOODNESS to His people who had followed God's will and lived according to His Word - righteous living even unto their old age.

"Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you"

                                                                                Matthew 6:33 

"The Jews have a long time used this Psalm in their synagogue, to worship on the Sabbath, because on this day above all others, their thoughts were to be on earthly things, but on God Himself." 

                                                                                                Charles Spurgeon

WORSHIPPING GOD - Read Psalm 92: 1-8; Matthew 5:1-12

The first verses of this Psalm shows how we can worship and honour God, with many aspects and expressions. 

1. In the Morning and Evening

We must praise God in the morning and in the evening, not just on the Sabbath day, but every day of the week; not just in Church services, but in private and on family gatherings. 

"It is good to praise the Lord  ad make music to your name, O Most High. Proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night." Psalm 92:1&2

We can show thanksgiving and praise by singing and using musical instruments, in David's case, usually the harp and lyre.

2. Living Like the Lord

We need to praise God by sharing His attributes to the world. King David discerned in this Psalm good and evil, by declaring God's character and virtues as our criteria for living. 

In Matthew 5, Jesus begins his famous Sermon on the Mount with what we call "The Beautitues". These are a list of virtues that God's children were encouraged to live by. These too were similar to those of our Lord - HUMILITY, MEEKNESS, RIGHTEOUSNESS, MERCY, PURITY AND PEACE.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled." 

                                                                                   Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

3. Follow God's Will and Plans

God has given us the joy of His works and we can have triumph over our enemies, if we follow the ways of the Lord and not focusing on ourselves. Our triumph is found not on what WE DO FOR GOD, but what HE DOES FOR US. 

"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you faslsely for My sake. 

PSALM 91 - FACING TEMPTATION

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 91, Matthew 4:1-11,        Ephesians 6:10-18

In this Psalm we hear the confident voice of God, encouraging and reassuring us as we face TEMPTATION AND TESTING. Christians often feel that nothing can touch us when we are under God's protection, but even Jesus faced TEMPTATION from the devil himself.

"Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is ale to help those who are being tempted." Hebrews 2:18 (NIV)

In Matthew 4:5&6 we see how the devil used these words from Psalm 91:11&12 to tempt Jesus. Yet Jesus was not going to let Himself be put to the test, even though He trusted in His Father's promises. 

"Then the devil took Him to the Holy City and had Him stand on the highest point of the Temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw Yourself down. For it is written: "He will command His angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."  Jesus answered, "It is also written, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test". 

                                                                                         Matthew 4:5-7 (NIV)

There is little doubt about the tone of this Psalm - it is about warfare and conflict, but our enemy is of a spiritual nature. There is of course a promise of angelic assistance and Divine deliverance, and it talks about the battle in a spiritual realm. Our enemy comes at us with "supernatural strength" and we need a "supernatural helper".

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take you stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and the against the spiritual forces of evil in the Heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand"  Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)

"Psalm 91 is written to dwellers - those who draw daily, habitual strength from the Lord as they sustain an intimacy of fellowship and nearness with Him." Charles Swindoll

GOD'S PROTECTIVE CARE THROUGH TEMPTATION -       Read Psalm 91:1-10

1. GOD - OUR SHELTER & SHADOW

We must never forget that Christians are not removed from temptations, but Jesus promised to protect us.

"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one"

                                                                           John 17:15  (NIV)

Mark and I have never lived and worked in a "worldly environment" - private schools, Defence Forces, Public Transport - and now as we travel around Australia with the Circus.  God deliberately did not remove us from the "world", but He did give us the opportunity to be "seed planters". We made sure we DWELL  in the "SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH"  and ABIDE in the "SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY".

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty." 

                                                                                     Psalm 91:1 (NLT)

The word "dwell" means  "to remain", "to abide", "to have fellowship with" and "to draw strength from", in this case, the Lord Jesus Christ and His Father. We need to be constantly aware of His presence. "God Most High" is the "Almighty", "All Sufficient One", "El Shaddai", and for this Psalmist He is the "destroyer of our enemies."

2. GOD IS OUR REFUGE

The Lord is also said to be our REFUGE where we can find our SAFETY and REST. If we continue to walk with Him we can count on Him for deliverance when things get tough. This is why is essential that we call on Him today in TRUST.

"This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him." Psalm 91:2  (NLT)

"Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5&6

Imagine you are a bird "engulfed in a fowler's trap". Hannah W Smith talks about the "snags of the fowler's trap" (Psalm 91:3), or for the Christian, they may be "hindrances to flying". They, like us, have been "baited" by something that is "deceptively attractive".  The bird may may be imprisoned in a cage or have a damaged wing, making it impossible to fly.    For a Christian, our soul may be "entrapped in a snare of doubt". 

"Like the birds we wonder why we cannot mount up. We must use both wings or we cannot fly at all.

Temptations lead to doubt, lack of surrender, indulgent in sin, fear and anxieties."

                                                                              Hannah W Smith

We, like the birds, can be rescued,  "separated from the trap" and covered under the "wings" of it's mother (Father). 

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, shall walk and not faint."  ISAIAH 40:31 (NIV)

"Surely He will save you from the fowlers snare......He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter You with His wings." Psalm 91:3a & 4a

3. GOD'S FAITFUL PROTECTION

"God's faithful promises are your armour and protection." Psalm 91:4b

Finally, when we are in the centre of a battle, we need to trust in GOD'S SHIELD OF FAITHFULNESS. Like a soldier has a protective barrier from their enemies arrows, we too can be protected from the devil's attacks. 

Verses 5&6 are seen as spiritual battles rather than merely pestilence and natural disasters.   Our enemy the devil will stop at nothing to make us afraid. Intimidation is one of his "sharpest tools". Yet the Psalmist assures us that we don't have to fear, for we can TRUST IN GOD'S FAITHFULNESS.

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around around his waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the SHIELD OF FAITH with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Ephesians 6:14-16   (NIV)

"In the heat of battle, when the enemy attacks become too much to bear, the faithfulness of God is ther for their protection - HIDE BEHIND HIM." Charles R. Swindoll

ANGELS ASSISTANCE WHEN WE ARE TEMPTED -        Read Psalm 91:11&12, Matthew 4:5-7

"For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet.' Psalm 91:11-13 (NLT)

Lions and snakes (cobras) are both symbols of the devil's power. The Lord has also promised to protect us from his tactical attacks. It makes sense that He will send supernatural beings - ANGELS - to protect us wherever we go and hold us up with His hands. 

Jesus knew this power when He was tempted by the devil, but He was not going to let Himself be tested. 

"Jesus answered him, "It is also written, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test". 

                                                                            Matthew 4:7 (NIV)

David also reminds us throughout the Psalms that the Lord and His angels continue to lift us up when we fall. They watch each of our steps, and hold us up by their hands. I know many people, including 

my Mum who believe that Angels gave always been there by her side when she is unwell. I believe angels are not just by our side, 'to guard, watch over and take care of us' when we are physically weak, but when we are mentally, emotionally and spiritually attacked. 

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." Psalm 37:23&24 (NLT)

SECURITY IN GOD'S PROMISES THROUGH TEMPTATION - Read Psalm 91:14-16, Ephesians 6:10-17

In the last verses in this Psalm, God gives us a real promises:

"I will deliver him. I will set him secularly on high." Verse 14

"He will answer your prayer and will be with you in trouble, rescuing and honouring you." V15

"God will satisfy your every need, particularly that of salvation." Verse 16

These are promises that we can claim! If you use these as a "practical guide", by faith you can find you "live beyond the grind of the enemy attack.". We can be sure that "we have assurance" - that God is our Protector. Why? Because of the Promises in His Word - "the sword of the spirit".

God also expects us to STAND FIRM ON HIS WORD - His promises are our strength, He tells us that we are in a spiritual battle and are all "good soldiers of Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy 2:3). We need our armour , especially our Sword- God's Promises in the Word of God.  

"Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2 Timothy 2:3

"For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

                                                                                             Hebrews 4:12

"Take the helmet of salvation, , and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God."

                                                                                      Ephesians 6:17

CONCLUSION - Read 2 Chronicles 20:15-29, Acts 16:16-40

Psalm 91 is a divine truth, a key to victory for those who take refuge in Him. Like Jesus, who faced temptation, we need to remember that we shall:

"Worship the Lord and serve Him only." Matthew 4:10

According to Dr Bill Purvis, "Worship is a highly an effective tool in bringing about breakthrough", and victory in temptation. It can "redirect our focus" on our Victor. It can "make the enemy scatter" and it can be "our testimony to the world." 

"Praise the Lord. He can work through those who Praise Him. Praise the Lord, for the chains that seem to bind you drop powerless behind you, when you Praise Him." Dr Bill Purvis

Christians seem to think that temptation will cease once they are saved. Temptation is not a sin. It is, however, as the hymnwriter, Horatio Palmer, tells us, the sin is when we "Yield to the Temptation" - when we let jealousy, envy, pride, and doubt overpower us.

Horatio Palmer reminds us that when we commit ourselves completely to the Lord and when we put ourselves into His hands, then we can have victory over temptation. This is when we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS. 

"The temptations in your life are no different from others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure. " 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

"Consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its works so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 (NLT)

"Many of us know to live the Christian life in theory, but when the subtle subtle temptation comes we find it easier to submit to the tempter. Horatio Palmer knew what to do:

                           "Ask the Saviour to help you, comfort, strengthen and keep You;

                            He is willing to aide you, He will carry you through."

                                               William J. Peterson, Horatio R.Palmer

The Holy Bible, "New International Version", 2011, Biblica

The Holy Bible, "New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

Alexander, Pat & David, "The Lion Handbook to the Bible", 2009, Lion Hudson

Karamis, Linda; Smith, Hannah, "Teach Uplifted/A Christian's Secret to a Happy Life",

2018, Teach 4 the Heart

Peterson, William J, "Hymns - Inspiring Stories about 600 Hymns and Praise Songs", 2006, Tyndale House Publishers

Purvis, Dr Bill, "Worship is my Weapon" , 2021, You Version

Simmons, Dr Brian, "The Psalms -Poems on Fire, The Passion Translation.", 2015, Broadstreet

Swindoll, Charles. R, "Getting Through Tough Stuff" 2004, Thomas Nelson

Swindoll, Charles R, "Living the Psalms - Encouragement for the Daily Grind", 2012, Worthy Publishers

Palmer, Horatio R, "Yield Not to Temptation", (1834-1907)

Steve Anderson 

PSALM 90 - MOSES' PRAYER

 INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 90 & Numbers 20

"Moses was peculiarly a man of God, chosen by God, inspired by God, honoured by God, faithful to God and all His house."  Charles Spurgeon

Although many scholars refused to accept that this Psalm was written by Moses himself, it sombre tone - the talk of death, the Israelite's sins, God's anger and the writer's strong desire for mercy -  are strong evidence that connect it to Moses, and his time in the wilderness. 

James Boice seems to think that it is connected to incidents recorded in Numbers 20:

* The deaths of Moses's brother and sister - Aaron and Miriam.

* The sins of Moses and his people, that kept them from entering the Promised Land.

"The people of Israel, the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month, and the people stayed in Kadesh. Miriam died and was buried there."  Numbers 20:1  (ESV)

"Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and said to them, "Hear now you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?" And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drunk, and their livestock. 

And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron: "Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them."  Numbers 20:10-12  (ESV)

"And they journeyed to Kadesh, and the people of Israel, the whole congregation,came to Mount Hor......Let Aaron be gathered to his people of Israel because you rebelled against my command at the waters of Meribah. Take Aaron and Eleazar his son and bring them to Mount Hor......Moses did as the Lord commanded. And they went up to Mount Hor in the sight of the congregation. And Moses stripped Aaron of his garment and put them on Eleazar his son. And Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain."   Numbers 20:22- 24, 27&28 (ESV)

We all know Moses was a humble and godly man, an Israelite baby from a god fearing mother. Yet, he was brought up as an Egyptian prince and later had to flee into the desert after murdering an Israelite slave. He spent a number of times in God's presence - at the Burning Bush and at Mt Sinai - for example.  He became a great leader of God's people, leading them to freedom and teaching them the Laws of the Lord. 

Yet even this great leader saw the condition of the Israelites in the wilderness and tried to solve problems on his own. In his fallen state, Moses prays for supplication, he seeks God's mercy and compassion for His people, who compared with the eternity of God, he could see lives that were only short and frail.

He knew God was responsible for taking care His people, and although he knew they had disobeyed God's will, which had led to their dying in the wilderness and being "disqualified" from the Promised Land, he wanted them to share in the joy of God's adventure while they were still alive.

Two of my favourite authors and preachers have recently challenged me about the importance of being the "salt of the earth" and the "light to the world". This is important for all Christians, but most importantly, if like Moses and Aaron, you are a leader of people. We are the kind of people who "create a thirst for God" and for "things eternal". We are to light up the world with "shine rays of God's grace and love". 

Like Moses and Aaron, it is so easy to fall, but we have to be so careful that we still our "light" and be a witness for the Lord. Exhort others to develop a deep passion for the Word of God, and a deep devotion for Christ.  Most importanty, our leaders need to hold God's standard of "holiness and purity" high, "developing a healthy fear of the Lord for all."

"No one is immune. Anyone can fall. Therefore we need to head every warning the Scripture provides.  We are all in peril of being disqualified...... But God not only knows your struggle, he promises you a way to escape it. To get beyond it."  Charles R Swindoll

"The first thing we are to consider is our danger. We are  all in danger of falling - not only some of of us, but all of us; not only the weak, but also the strong; not only the young, but the middle aged and the old,we are all in danger of falling into sin and bringing dishonour to our profession, sorrow to our souls, and disgrace upon the name of Christ, whom we profess to love and serve." Charles H Spurgeon

We too have the potential for a happy, abundant Christian life. We, unlike the Israelites, can be delivered from sin and temptation, for God knows our struggles and promises us a way of escape.  We have a "GRACIOUS, COMPASSIONATE, MERCIFUL GOD!"

If we MAKE JESUS THE LORD OF OUR LIVES. We cannot deliver ourselves like the Israelites tried to do, but Scripture clearly promises us that the "CROSS DELIVERS US". We can have ETERNAL LIFE living with our EVERLASTING LORD.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesu our Lord." Romans 6:23 (ESV)

OUR ETERNAL GOD & OUR ETERNAL LIFE - Read Psalm 90:1-12

Moses indeed wrote this Psalm for the Israelite tribes in the wilderness, who, because of their disobedience to God would not be entering the Promised Land, but it has some realities for us today too.

They were surrounded by mountains and although they seemed to be in "chaos", they still dwelt in God's omnipresence and everlasting nature.

"Lord, you have been our dwelling place through all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or even You brought forth, or even formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God." Psalm 90:1-2 (ESV)

Yet, Moses then compares God's eternal nature with man's "frailty". God created him out of the dust and would return him to dust. Compared to our eternal God, we humans are "transient as a blade of grass". Grass is "sown, grown, mown and gone" - and humans have a similar life span. 

Yet, although we have only a short life span, God wants us to use our time wisely, to make use of each day serving one another. The children of Israel, had lived their lives in the wilderness, fed and guided by God, yet they continued to sin and disobey Him. No wonder God was angry with them. God wants us to be friendly, to share the gospel, to be positive mentors, to invest our time in people and projects that are important and will last. 

"Teach us how short our lives really are that we may be wise." Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

God doesn't want us to spend our lives worried about when we will die and why we have a short life span. Is it because we have sinned? Is it because He was angry with us? Yes, God was angry and disappointed with the Israelites, and at time he is angry and disapointed with us when we fail Him; but like their sons and daughter who entered the Promised Land, we too have been redeemed by the grace of Jesus Christ.

"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth." 

                                                                                      Job 19:25 (NIV)

Today, because of God's eternal nature, and the promise we have of eternal life through Jesus's resurrection, we don't have to fear death like the Israelites did. Charles Swindoll reminds us: "If you know Christ, there is no need to fear the grave."  Jesus is there waiting for you and has prepared a place for you. Thankjs to Jesus, you can have an "unexplained, unending joy" forever in Heaven.      

"My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you . I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also will be with me."  John 14:2&3 (NIV)

"Death has been swallowed up in victory.....Where, O death is your victory?.....  Thanks be to God! He give us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 

                                                                    1 Corinthians 15:54b-57 (NIV)

"What fear strikes a man when the time is near and he's not prepared." Max Lucado

MOSES' APPEAL FOR GOD'S MERCY - Read Psalm 90:13-17

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved - and raised up with Him and seated us with Him in the Heavenly Places in Christ Jesus so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness towards us inJesus Chrust. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift from God."

                                                        Ephesians 2:4-8   (ESV)

Moses remembering the pain over the sins of his people, appeals to God's mercy, begging Him for the return of joy and gladness. Just like God sent manna down from Heaven for his people every day, Moses "beseeches the Lord to send His satisfying favour".

Their life may be brief but Moses prayed that it would be joyous and glad. Yes, they would die in the wilderness and they would have themselves to blame, but their leader Moses did not want them to feel "despondent", but wanted them to seek God's blessing - "His presence and favour". 

"Great joys enable us to bear great joy and may be regarded as heralded with extroadinary grace." Charles Spurgeon

We have trials and afflictions but we also can also have the mercy and grace of the Lord, if we reach out to Him. Even in our trials and afflictions, which may seem like "chastening", we can look for the joys and delight and "unstaggering faith". 

At times the Israelites found comfort in their trials. Their sons and daughters were growing up around them and they would see the "Promised Land". We know that without the Lord on our side, unless we abide in Him, we won't be rich in His grace and mercy, his joy in salvation through faith, we wont enter the Promised "Heavenly" Land. 

"Now thanks be to God who leads us in triumph in Christ and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place."  2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)

"May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands on us - yes establish the work of our hands."   Psalm 90:17

CONCLUSION

The potential of a happy, abundant Christian life is available to all of us if we make  JESUS THE LORD OF OUR LIVES. A quaker clergyman once said:

"There is noth so contrary to God as sin and God will not tolerate sin ruling man, his masterpiece."

If we want to do God's will and enter His Heavenly "Promised Land" we have to trust our lives into the "divine eternal Potter" and HE WILL CREATE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL.

International Children's Bible, "Magnify, Psalms and Proverbs, Big Book of Games", 2008, Thomas Nelson

The Holy Bible, "English Standard Version", 2016. Crossway.

The Holy Bible, "New International Version", 2011, Biblica

The Devotional Bible, "New Century Version - Experiencing the Heart of Jesus" -2003, Max Lucado. Thomas Nelson.

Alexander, Pat & Davud, "The Lion Handbook to the Bible", 2009, Lion.

Boice, James M, "Psalms Volume 2, An Expositional Commentary", 1994, Baker Books

Guzik, David, "Psalm 90 - The Prayer of Moses in the Wilderness - The Enduring Word Bible Commentary", 2020, ewm.enduringword.com

Kardimis, Linda; Smith, Hannah W, "Teach Uplifted/A Christian's Secret of a Happy Life", 2018, Teach 4 the Heart

Lucado, Max, "A Gente Thunder", 1991, Thomas Nelson

Spurgeon, Charles H, "The Treasury of David, Commentary of David", 1885, Crossway.

Swindoll, Charles R, "Getting Through the Tough Stuff", 2004, Thomas Nelson