PSALM 110: DAVID'S CREED - OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH

 INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 110

Psalm 110 is PURE GOSPEL: a Messianic Psalm in which David prophetically reveals the words of YAHWEH (Father God) to ADONAI (His Son: Jesus Christ).

Some Bible commentators call this DAVID'S CREED, for if we study it closely, we truly see the Articles of the Christian Faith. 

* THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD - "There are 27 quotations and/or illusions from Psalm 110 in the New Testament."  David Guzik

*THE TRIUNE GODHEAD - Father, Son and Holy Spirit

 

 "The LORD said to MY LORD" Psalm  110a (NIV)

           

"The Holy Spirit testifies to us about this." Hebrews 10:15 (NIV)

*THE NATURE, PERSON & WORK OF JESUS CHRIST

     

   - Our Messiah and King.

   - Our Eternal High Priest.

   - Our Returning Conqueror: King of Kings, Righteous Judge

   - Our Saviour and Redeemer

* THE FALL OF MAN AND THE WAY OF SALVATION.

                  

  "For God sent His Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world would be saved through Him." John 3:17

"His work is done! He will sit at God's right hand. It will have GREAT RESULTS as we wait for COMPLETE VICTORY, which is certain to follow." Charles Spurgeon

PART 1: THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD - Old and New Testaments:  Read Psalm 110, Luke 24:44-47; Acts 2:34-39, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, Hebrews 7:17-22

"We can't have the New Testament without the Old Testament". Pat & David Alexander

This is how the New Testament is generally understood, especially when related to David's Psalms. Psalm 110, for example, is quoted in the Gospels by Jesus Himself, and later by Peter in Acts and Paul in his letters. 

Jesus came to fuklfill the Old Testament covenant and he often quoted these verses in Psalm 110, in light of his role as Messiah. "He must suffer and die". because it is written" and "it must be fulfilled". 

"Then He said, "When I was with you, before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the Prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled". Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." Luke 24:44&45

Peter's address to the crowds on the Day of Pentecost was a direct prophetic quote of David's about Jesus Christ.

"For David Himself never ascended into Heaven, yet He said: "THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD: "Sit in the place of honour at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet. Let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified to be both Lord and Messiah." Acts 1:34-36 (NLT)

Paul also used many quotes in this Psalm in his letters, speaking of Jesus' death and resurrection, and His special work as a High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek.

"The last enemy to be destroyed is DEATH. For the Scripture says: GOD HAS PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIS AUTHORITY." 1 Corinthians 15:27 (NLT)

"You are a PRIESTR FOREVER in the Order of Melchizedek.....Now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw nearer to God.... for there is an OATH REGARDING JESUS. For God said to Him: "The Lord has taken an oath and will not break His vow: YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER." Hebrews 7:19&21

PART 2: THE TRIUNE GODHEAD - Father, Son & Holy Spirit: Read Psalm 110:1; Matthew 25:43-46, Mark 12:35-37,            Luke 20:41-44.

"While Jesus was teaching in the Temple Courts, he asked: "Why do the teachers of the law say that that the Messiah is the Son of David? David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared, "The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit art my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." David himself called him "Lord". How then can He be His Son? The large crowd listened to Him with delight." Mark 12:43-46 (NIV)

Jesus was a descendent of David, but more than that, HE WAS THE SON OF GOD, David's Lord. Jesus is established as LORD ADONAI - SON OF GOD - MESSIAH, by YAHWEH - FATHER GOD. 

"The LORD said to MY LORD" Psalm  110a (NIV)

            ^                          ^

        YAHWEH          ADONAI

              ^                          ^

       FATHER GOD      SON - JESUS CHRIST

"Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." Psalm 110:1b

In the second part of this verse we read how Jesus is enthroned by His Father - "at his right hand", until He has VICTORY OVER HIS ENEMIES. 

"But when the Priest had offered for all time ONE SACRIFICE for sins, He sat down AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, and since that time He waits for HIS ENEMIES TO BE HIS FOOTSTOOL."  Hebrews 10:12-13 (NIV)

PART 3: THE NATURE, PERSON AND WORKS OF JESUS

A) OUR MESSIAH AND KING - Read Psalm 110:2&3; Revelation 15:3&4

"The Lord will extol the powerful KINGDOM FROM JERUSALEM; You will rule over your enemies."  Psalm 110:2 (NLT)

Jesus is our King and Messiah, ruling the midst of His enemies. Yes, even as a King, He has enemies; but He will always have "His ruling posture" so he can "subdue and triumph ove them". 

In Jesus day, the people in Jerusalem were under Roman opposition . They longed for a King that would bring them FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE. They planned to make Jesus this King, but He walked away from this earthly reign. "His kingdom was not of this world." His goal was not a political one, but a SPIRITUAL ONE.

"He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over Jacob's descendents forever; His Kingdom will never end." Luke 1:32&33 (NIV)

"Jesus, knowing that they intended to make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.....for I have come down from Heaven, not to do my will, but to do the will of Him who sent me," John 6:15&38  (NIV)

Still, Jesus' rule was not limited to Jewish nations. He will eventually rule over the whole world, with and "army of willing volunteer soldiers", who will gladly give themselves to His service. They have been noted for the "strength of their youth". 

"Christ shall rule and govern His subjects and they will be happy to do His will. His KINGDOM SHALL STAND WITH HIS CROWN SITTING FIRMLY ON HIS HEAD. He shall rule in the midst of His enemies and friends in Heaven, and He shall be surrounded by worshippers." Matthew Henry

"Your troops will be willing on the day of battle. Arrayed in Holy Splendour; your young men will come to You like dew in the morning womb." Psalm 110:3

"Great and marvellous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations. Who will not fear you Lord, and bring glory to Your Name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for your righteous acts have been revealed." 

                                                                            Revelation 15:3&4 (NIV)

B) OUR ETERNAL HGH PRIEST - Read Psalm 110:4, Genesis 14:18-20,    Hebrews 7

"We have now reached the heart of this Psalm, which is also the centre and soul of our faith."

                                                                                                 Charles Spurgeon

Melchizedek was in the Order of a PRIEST/KING  - a joint role that is only mentioned 3 times in scripture:

1. In Genesis 14:18-20 when Melchizedek. , the Priest of God Most High comes out to bless Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation.

2. In Psalm 110:4 when Yahweh swore an oath that His Son Jesus Christ would be a High Priest FOREVER,  in the Order of Melchizedek.

3. In Hebrews 7 when Paul tells us about the High Priest - Jesus Christ, from the GREAT Order of Melchizedek,  who sacrificed His life once and for all, so that all Christians could have a "close relationship" with His Father God. 

I. GENESIS 14:18-20: MELCHIZEDEK - THE PRIEST OF GOD MOST HIGH.

"And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a Priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abrahan with this blessing: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of Heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you." Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods He had recovered." 

                                                               Genesis 14:18-20      (NIV)

Mekchizedek - the King/Priest of Salem came out to Abram with some food and a blessing, after Abraham had saved his nephew Lot, and fought the kings in the lands surrounding Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham then gave Melchizedek a 10% tithe of the spoils he had collected in war. 

We came upon Melchizedek "in this stage of history, mysteriously", with no pedigree, no date of birth and no mention of his death. All he had was His name: "MELCHIZEDEK, THE PRIEST OF GOD MOST HIGH." 

"This Melchizedek was king of Salem and Priest of God Most High..... without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a Priest forever." Hebrews 7:3 (NIV)

II. PSALM 110:4 - HIGH PRIEST FOREVER, IN THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK

"The Lord has taken an oath and will not break His vow: "YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER, IN THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK." Psalm 110:4 (NLT)

Yahweh made an oath with His Son, Jesus Christ, that He would be a GREAT HIGH PRIEST FOREVER, in the ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK. Why did he do this? You see, Melchizedek wasn't just any priest, from the Levitical Order, like Aaron. Melchizedek's order was exceptional. 

Aaron and the other Levitical priests could not fully meet the needs of the sinful nation - God's people. They only gave daily animal sacrifices. Jesus was to be their PRIEST/KING FOREVER. Noit only by sitting upon His Father's throne, but Jesus would bring a "better hope for redemption", when His Father sent Him as a ONE FOR ALL SACRIFICE.

"It is He who will build the Temple of the Lord, and He will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on His throne. And He will be a Priest on His throne. And there will be harmony between the two." Zechariah 6:13 (NIV)

"Unlike the other High Priests, He does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people. HE SACRIFICED FOR THE SINS ONCE AND FOR ALL WHEN HE OFFERED HIMSELF. For the law appointed High Priests, men in all their weaknesses; but the OATH which cane after the law, APPOINTED THE SON, WHO HAS BEEN MADE PERFECT FOREVER." Hebrews 7:27&28  (NIV)

III. HEBREWS 7:15-28:  OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST - OUR ONE SACRIFICE!

"Our Lord Jesus Christ is our High Priest  and faithfully executed the position appointed by God, to make ATONEMENT FOR OUR SINS and to be a MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD AND US."                                                                                                    Matthew Henry

Jesus offered Himself as a LAMB OF GOD - THE PERFECT SACRIFICE, "reconciling humanity with God". We this perfect sacrifice we can now have perfect FREEDOM AND REDEMPTION from sin. Jesus came from the royal tribe of Judah, and He has given us better hope "as we approach God". Jesus sits on "his Father's right hand", interceding for us so that we can DRAW CLOSE TO THE FATHER. What comfort and encouragement that can give us in our Christian faith?

"Therefore, He is able, once and forever, TO SAVE THOSE WHO COME TO GOD, through Him. He lives FOREVER TOI INTERCEDE WITH GOD on their behalf." Hebrews 7:25 (NLT)

"My children, I am writing this to do so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins - and not only our sins, but the sins of the world."  `=1 John 2:1&2  (NLT)

Paul also reminds us that Jesus became our PRIEST, not because he was of the Tribe of Levi. As David tells prophesied, by telling us about Yahweh's OATH, "JESUS WOULD BE OUR PRIEST FOREVER, IN THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK", and Yahweh would not break this OATH. "It is a guarantee of a better covenant with God". 

C) OUR RETURNING CONQUEROR: King of Kings, Righteous Judge, Saviour & Redeemer - Read110:5-7, Revelation 19 &21; Philippians 2:7-1

The last verses of this Psalm refer the VICTORIES of our RETURNING CONQUEROR, as our KING OF KINGS, RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER. 

I. KING OF KINGS 

"On His robe at His thigh was written this title: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS"

                                                                                          Revelation 19:16 (NLT)

"The Lord is at Your right hand; He will crush kings on the day of His wrath." Psalm 110:5 (NLT)

"Christ has WRATH as well as GRACE. On the great day of His wrath, He will conquer His enemies and kings, "at his Father's right hand". This will be at the end of time." Matthew Henry

When Jesus returns as our King of Kings He will finally put all His enemies "at his feet". He will have victory over the kings of the earth, executing them on the "day of his wrath". He will have many victories including those over Satan, and all the world's rulers. He will reign on the NEW EARTH, and KINGDOM OF PEACE AND JOY WILL HAVE NO END.

"Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the ONE SITTING ON THE HORSE AND His army. And the beast was captured and with him the false prophets who did miracles on his behalf." Revelation 19:19&20 (NLT)

"Then I saw a NEW HEAVEN and a NEW EARTH, for the old heaven and the old earth had passed away........He will wipe every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death, or sorrow, or crying or pain. ALL THESE THINGS ARE GONE FOREVER. And the one sitting on the throne said, "Behold, I AM MAKING EVERYTHING NEW." Revelation 21:1,4&5 (NKJV)

II. OUR RIGHTEOUS JUDGE

"He shall judge among the nations, He shall fill the places with dead bodies. He shall execute the heads of many countries. "  Psalm 110:6 (NLT)

"Now I saw Heaven opened and behold a white horse. And He who sat on Him was called FAITHFUL AND TRUE, and in RIGHTEOUSNESS HE JUDGES and makes war." 

                                                                              Revelation 19:11 (NKJV)

Jesus is the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE among all the nations of the world. When He judges and declares righteousness he "wounds the heads of his enemies" and "fills the place with dead bodies.". When we read this verse it doesn't seem like very righteous judgement. But when we think about all of what His enemies would have done to Him, and the kings of the world would have shed blood and fought wars, maybe he was giving them what they deserved.

Charles Spurgeon reminds us that:  "Jesus is FAITHFUL AND TRUE, and as He rides His white horse we can we see and feel HIS POWER. We can either YIELD to His righteous judgement, JOYFULLY; or be CRUSHED BY IT. "

III. SAVIOUR AND REDEEMER

"But He will drink from a brook along the way and He WILL LIFT HIS HEAD HIGH."                                                                                                                           Psalm 110:7 (NIV)

"He went out with His disciples over to the Brook at Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with His disciples."  John 18:1&2  (NKJV)

Jesus drank from the Brook at Kidron when He was about to enter His time of suffering. He drank deeply for our SALVATION AND REDEMPTION. When Jesus later died on the cross, His head was bowed; but when His body was resurrected, HIS HEAD WAS LIFTED UP. He then went to be "exalted with His Father" - "his reward for humiliation", to "sit at His Father's right hand".

"And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even DEATH ON THE CROSS. Therefore, GOD HAS HIGHLY EXALTED HIM and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:8-11  (NIV)

Jesus' next step would be to REDEEM AND SAVE HIS PEOPLE on the "DAY OF HIS RETURN", when there would be COMPLETE VICTORY. This would be the "LIFTING UP OF OUR HEADS", as we RESURRECTED INTO HEAVEN. We are His "righteous friends" and we will have endless joy with our Lord FOREVER.

"For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will RISE FIRST. Then we who are alive and remain shall be CAUGHT UP TOGETHER IN THE CLOUDS to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we will always be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:16&17 (NKJV)

"LIFT UP YOUR HEADS FOR REDEMPTION DRAWS NIGH." Charles Spurgeon

PART 4: THE FALL OF MAN,  HIS SALVATION & ETERNAL LIFE - Read Ephesians 2 & John 3

"OUR REDEEMER SAVES AND COMFORTS HIS FRIENDS." Matthew Henry

How beautiful and wonderful OUR SAVIOUR IS. He will show us His marvellous PLAN if we CHOOSE TO FOLLOW HIM. We are human, and we will fall, just like Adam and Eve and God's people in our Bible history, but we have a SAVIOUR who will lead us into the WAY of TRUTH AND LIFE, for He was willing to give His life for us, to die for our sins. It's up to us now to BELIEVE AND TRUST IN HIM, so that we can have ETERNAL LIFE with Him and His Father.

"For God so loved the world He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish,  but will have ETERNAL LIFE." John 3:16 (NIV)

"I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father except by me," 

                                                                                                                John 14:6 (NIV)

"For it is BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED, THROUGH FAITH, and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God."  Ephesians 2:8  (NIV)

CONCLUSION - Our Prayer of Thanksgiving

How this Psalm stirs our hearts to give Yahweh and His Son Jesus Christ GLORY, with the Holy Spirit and all we have in our being. 

* Thank you for revealing God the Father to us.

* Thank you for being our Messiah and King.

* Thank you for being our High Priest: Mediator and Advocate,

* Thank you for being our Righteous Judge and giving us Victory over Satan.

* Thank you for being our Saviour and Redeemer.

* Thank you for leading us the way to Forgiveness, Salvation and Eternal Life. 

* THANK YOU FOR HELPING US LIVE A FULL CHRISTIAN FAITH!

TO YOU BE GLORY, MAJESTY, DOMINION AND AUTHORITY

FOREVER AND EVER, AMEN.

Bartlett, E.M / Smith, Michael W , (1939/2021), "Victory in Jesus", You Tube

Keith & Melody Green, (1983), "There is a Redeemer", Birdwing Music, You Tube

"Holy Bible - New International Version", (2011), Biblica

"Holy Bible - New King James Version", (1982) Thomas Nelson

"Holy Bible - New Living Translation", (2015) Tyndale House Publishers

Alexander, Pat & David, "The Lion Handbook to the Bible - 4th Edition", (2008), Lion Hudson Publishers

Bible Word, "Jesus, the Ultimate Prophet, Priest & King", (2022)  New Version

Guzik, David, "Psalm 110 - Messiah, Priest & Conquering King", (2021) www.enduringword.com

Henry, Matthew, "Commentary on Psalm 110 - Matthew Henry's Commentary" (1720/1996) BlueLetterBible

Spurgeon, Charles, "The Treasury of David - Commentary on Psalms", (1885/2021) Christianity.com

PSALM 109 - AN IMPRECATORY PSALM - A PRAYER OF REVENGE

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 109

Psalm 109 is a Psalm of David to the Chief Musician in the Temple. It is hard to imagine that this strong language of an IMPRECTORY PSALM could be sung in this Temple worship. Yet even though David was a soldier, courageous and strong in battle, he was also a musical shepherd, with a tender heart.

David had been hurt with the injustic of his enemies, particular with their lies; but he didn't take out revenge on them - instead HE TOOK THEM TO GOD IN PRAYER. 

                                            SAY MUCH TO GOD AND LITTLE TO MAN

We need to trust that God is able to take care of our situation.  We think that maybe we should "revenge our wrongs" by "compromising our hearts"; but the TRUTH IS: ONLY CON CAN MAKE IT RIGHT.

                                            SO WE NEED TO LEAVE IT ALL WITH GOD!

DAVID - A MAN OF PRAYER - Psalm 109:1-5, Psalm 31; Romans 12:9-21

"MY GOD, WHOM I PRAISE, don't stand silent and aloof; while the wicked slander me and tell lies about me. They surround me with hateful words and fight against me with no reason. I love them but they try to destroy me with accusations, even as I AM PRAYING FOR THEM! They repay evil for good and hatred for love." Psalm 109:1-5 (NLT)

In the first 5 verses of this Psalm, David, feeling hurtful, and probably a little angry and revengeful, does these 3 things:

1. HE TURNS TO GOD'S JUDGEMNENT, NOT HIS OWN

David refuses to ACT on his own feels of "revenge", for he is a loving and compassionate person. He remembers the words of the Lord: "Vengeance is Mine". David id confident that GOD IS RIGHTEOUS AND JUST, and opposed to evil. He knows that God cares for him, who has been in real trouble from his enemies in the past. He trusts in God's faithfulness and love.

"Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of proctection, a fortress where I will be safe. I entrust my spirit into your hands. Rescue me, for You are a faithful God." 

Psalm 31:2&5 (NLT)

"RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before You.” Psalm 89:14  (NIV)

2. HE COMPLAINS ABOUT HIS ENEMIES

"His voice is a complaint in Heaven about the hatred and evil of his enemies." Matthe Henry

In trouble with many enemies, David doesn't keep silent. He is innocent and has extended his love to them. Still, "they fight against him without a cause." They tell deceitful lies behind his back. He has extended kindness and compassion towards them, and still, "they return evil for good", hatred for love". There is no excuse for their words or actions. 

"In short, David's enemies are:

* spiteful and malicious.

* notorious liars.

* shrewd and restless.

* unjust with their accusations.

* ungrateful with "rewarding evil for good, hatred for love."

                                                        Matthew Henry

3. HE IS FAITHFUL AND GIVES HIMSELF IN PRAYER.

Verbal accusations really hurt, but David was not going to "fight back", for HE WAS A MAN OF PRAYER, something we can all learn from. He was also a man of integrity, and although it is "human nature" to have feelings of revenge when we are hurt -  calling them, "justified retaliation"; it is not what God wants of us. Paul remins us in Romans:

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, to live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear revenge, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay", says the Lord. ......Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 17-19, 21 (NIV)

"We change another person through GOD'S POWER, THROUGH PRAYER." Charles Swindoll.

David humbly prayed that he would find deliverance from his enemies, but he also prayed that they would find deliverance and salvation from the Lord. Just like Jesus taught us to love our enemies, we like David, need have a "SPIRIT  OF PRAYER."

"It was God's work of  judgement not David's. With a SPIRIT OF PRAYER, he laid his vengeance before the Lord, and he REFUSED TO ACT ON IT." David Guzik

"While my enemies are uttering false words about me to other people, I AM SPEAKING TO GOD. That is "I AM PRAYER". James Montgomery Boice.

"You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy". But I say to you: love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and PRAY FOR THOSE WHO SPITEFULLY USE YOU AND PERSECUTE YOU." Matthew 5:43&44 (NKJV)

A CAVE DWELLING PRAYER & PROPHECY -                   Read Psalm 109: 6-20, Psalm 140, 1 Samuel 21,24,26,              Acts 1:16-20

WHEN AND WHERE Did David Pray

We are not certain WHEN David wrote this Psalm, though many Bible commentators believe it was probably in the time when he was running from King Saul, and hiding in a cave near Engedi. 

WHO Did David Pray For?

King Saul was David's great enemy at the time, and in this part of the Psalm, David was speaking in the "singular" about a a evil and sinful leader. It is likely that this was the choice for David's "harsh language". 

When David and his soldiers were in the cave, Saul came in to "relieve himself". At another time, David had gone into Saul's camp with one of his men. At both these times, David was feeling hurt and upset because his leader, whom he had loved and served, had now turned on him. It was not surprising that his heart was tempted by the words of his soldiers:

"Now's your opportunity! Today the Lord is telling you: I will certainly put your enemy into your hand to do as you wish. " 1 Samuel 24:4 (NLT)

"God has surely handed your enemy over to you this time." 1 Samuel 26:8a (NLT)'

But David also listened to his heart and conscience, and instead he let God be the judge, and this was the TONE OF THIS PRAYER. Yes, it was honest and transparent, as "David let it all hang out" and "didn't hold back". 

"David was well known, even praised, for being a none vindictive, long suffering and merciful man. He could have killed his archenemy Saul on two occasions, but instead he said, "I will not lift my hand against my master. He is my Lord's anointed." James Montgoery Boice.

"Surely the Lord will strike Saul down someday, or he will die of old age or in battle. The Lord forbid that I should kill the one who is anointed." 1 Samuel 26:10&16

WHAT Does the Prayer Say?

"All the IMPRECATORY PSALMS have a flavour of Romans 12:8, "It is mine to revenge, I will repay", says the Lord. This leaves the execution of justice in God's hands."

                                                                         James Montgomery Boice

David thought of the curses that would come on his enemy, but there would not be something he would do for the "he refused to take a shortcut to the throne"! No, it would be in God's time!

* A short life - orphaned children and a widowed wife.

* Guilty in a court of law.

* Cursed lives throughout his generations.

* Cutting of the family name, blotting out their memory.

* Taking away his leadership.

These verses are also filled with a PROPHETIC FAVOUR. David is quoted by Peter in Acts, when speaking about Judas. 

"This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David;....Judas had bought a field with the money he had from his treachery. Falling headfirst, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines......Peter continued: "This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, "Let his home become desolate with no one living in it". It also says, "Let someone else take his position." 

                                                                                    Acts 1:16-18, 20  (NLT)

WHY Did David Pray this Prayer?

David's prayer was rooted in SIMPLE JUSTICE. He wanted God to give to his enemy, what he had given to others, which was definitely not kindness and blessings. He didn't show mercy or compassion when he persecuted the poor, needy and brokenhearted; whether this was to David himself or other people.  He was truly a cruel man and "delighted in cursing others". In fact, as David's harsh words put it, "clothed in curses", with "no delight in blessings". David was expressing his vengeance and believed his words and thoughts were justified. 

In this time in David's life he was angry, depressed and hurt; but he was still able to reflect on the Lord's love, goodness and faithfulness, and he was hoping to calm his spirits. What he wanted most was to LEAVE THE JUSTICE IN GOD'S HANDS, NOT HIS OWN. 

"May the curses become the LORD'S PUNISHMENT, for my accusers who speak evil of me." 

                                                                                                       Psalm 109:29  (NLT)

"Retaliation, not for private revenge but as a measure of public justice; is here demanded by the Psalmist. He feels it is deserved for the crime. Surely this malicious man cannot complain if he is judged by his own rule; and his "corn measured with his own bushel'. Charles Spurgeon

We too may be living in a cave that is "dark, dismal and damp". Maybe the hardest part is to be honest with God, To admit that we have needs, cares and feelings. If we admit these, like David did, and release even our hardest thoughts into God's hands. HE WILL CALM OUR SPIRITS!

"Therefore, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,     CASTING ALL YOUR CARES UPON HIM, FOR HE CARES FOR YOU." 1 Peter 5:6&7 (NKJV)

 DAVID'S PRAYER FOR HEALING AND RELIEF - Read Psalm 109:21-29, Psalm 31, Psalm 140.

"Having declared God's wrath on his enemies, David now prays for COMFORT FOR HIMSELF. He prays for MERCY AND LOVE, but he does not give orders to God. He returns to gave "communion with Him", submitting to His will." Matthew Henry.

David needed help and deliverance from His Father God. In the cave near Engedi, he turned to God for refuge. He trusted in God's goodness and love; but he didn't want deliverance for his own sake, but so that he could GLORIFY GOD.

We too, when overcome with despair and anxiety may experience these same symptoms as David felt, in both his physical and mental state. Like David, "anger and vengeance can take a tole on our body and soul."

1. David was POOR AND NEEDY, wounded in heart and mind. He felt BROKEN HEARTED, with a sense of guilt and grief.

"For I am poor and needy and my heart is wounded within me." Psalm 109:22

"I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy."

                                                                                                        Psalm 140:12

"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such that has a broken heart." 

                                                                                                            Psalm 34:18

2. David was feeling "weak in the flesh". His misery was also physical. It felt like "his body was wasting away". This could have been due to his fasting.

"My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction and by bones grow weak." Psalm 31:10

3. David was very unsettled, tossing, shaken and "brushed off like a locust". 

4. David was being ridiculed and scorned for his integrity and faith in God. He was laughed at and pitied because "he was falling apart". He didn't need anymore criticism, for "his hurt was deep enough". 

"I am scorned by all my enemies, despised by my neighbours - even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they are afraid to come near me, they run the other way. I am ignored as if I am dead, as if I were a broken pot." Psalm 31:11 & 12 (NLT)

We, like David, can know that we have a "faithful. caring Father God". David understood that the curses of his enemies could "never triumph over the BLESSINGS OF GOD."

"Since You are my Rock and my Fortress, for the sake of Your Name, lead and guide me."

                                                                                               Psalm 31:3  (NLT)

"He was able to find REST and REPAIR, as He valued the BLESSINGS OF GOD; praying for the deliverance of his enemies. He pleaded for GOD'S GLORY AND THE HONOUR OF HIS NAME."

                                                                                               Matthew Henry

CONCLUSION - JOYFUL PRAISE - Read Psalm 109: 30&31, Psalm 140, Acts 16:16-34

David wanted to see God honoured in his deliverance. HE WOULD PRAISE GOD VOCALLY AND PUBLICALLY.

"With my mouth I WILL GREATLY EXTOL THE LORD. In the great throng of worshippers I WILL PRAISE HIM." Psalm 109:30 (NIV)

David is now at a "higher place", and God is to be praised for all He has done:

* For the poor and needy.

* For the oppressed.

* For the enemies who were condemned.

"For He stands at the right hand of the needy, to save their lives from those who would condemn them." Psalm 109:31 (NIV)

"I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and justice for the poor. Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your Name. The upright shall dwell in Your Presence." 

                                                                                       Psalm 140:12-13 (NKJV)

Circumstances may be bleak, but "the Lord stands at our right hand", if we fill our minds with with the thoughts of HIS PRESENCE, POWER AND PRAISE. Paul and Silas knew this truth well:

"But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities......And when thety laid many stripes on them, they threw them in prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them in the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.  But at midnight, PAUL AND SILAS WERE PRAYING AND SINGING HYMNS TO GOD and the prisoners were listening to them." Acts 16:19, 23-25

David concludes this Psalm with JOY and assurance of VICTORY. We too must confront ourselves with this CONFIDENT TRUST and fill our hearts with PRAISE.

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as if some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that WHEN HIS GLORY IS REVEALED, YOU MAY ALSO BE GLAD WITH EXCEEDING JOY.  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the spirit of glory and of God rests on upon you..... Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed,  BUT LET HIM GLORIFY GOD IN THIS MATTER." 1 Peter 4:12  - 14&16  (NKJV)

Cassidym Jack, "Let Go, Let God", 2020, Apple Music, You Tube

Moen, Don. "Sing for Joy", 2017, Live Worship Sessions, You Tube

"Superbook Live: David and Saul - Part 1", May 28, 2020, You Tube

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

"The Holy Bible - New King James Version", 1982, Thomas Nelson

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

Boise, James Montgomer, "Commentary on Psalms - Volume 3", 2005, Baker Publishing Group

Guzik, David, "A Prophecy Against Hateful Enemies", 2021, www.enduringword.com

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

Le Boutillier, Paul, "A Prayer When Someone Spreads Lies About You.", 2020, Calvary Chapel, Ontario

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

Swindoll, Charles, "Great Lives - David: A Man of Purpose", 1997, Thomas Nelson

 

                                                                                            

PSALM 108 - DAVID'S SONG OF TRUST & VICTORY

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 108, 57:7-11, 60:5-12

It is believed that inspiration for Psalm 108 is applied to two things:

1) David's PAST battles and victories - specifically with the Edomites, Moabites and the Philistines - that were the basis for his strong faith in the Lord. 

2) David's PRESENT challenges - a battle he was to face again with the Edomites.

David used the words of Scripture - parts of his Psalms (57:7-11; 60:5-12), for his present day THANKSGIVING AND SUPPLICATION prayers.  We too can do the same in our prayer journals.

In His PRAISE SONG he celebrated His VICTORIES; but he knows that they were truly GOD'S VICTORIES, for he knew he could not have won them alone. 

David TRUSTED IN GOD just as we should, knowing that "with God on our side we can do more than we think possible". 

Just as David rejoiced in His VICTORIES in the PAST, so we can rejoice in what God has done for us. We can also TRUST GOD, as David did, in our anxieties and trials, as we face the FUTURE. 

How do we know that we can trust Him?

* Because God is always us!

* He will never leaver us without an answe to our prayers!

*We can be lifted up with the promises of Scripture which give us courage and strength!

"Trust in the Lord with all your 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  (NIV)

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

"With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." Psalm 108:13 (NIV)

Next time, remember to TRUST GOD as He gives you RELIEF from your anxieties and VICTORY through all difficult circumstances, and TO GIVE HIM YOUR PRAISES!!  

PRAISE & WORSHIP - GOD'S LOVE & FAITHFULNESS - Read Psalm 108:1-5; 57:7-11

"Circumstances may be black, but those who fill their minds with God can sing His praises."

                                                                                           Pat & David Alexander

We too can have this same FAITH in our FATHER GOD. David knew God's love was very, very great. He knew that he was a special child of God, and that he deserved all His mercy, compassion and faithfulness. He also passed this wisdom and faith on to his son Solomon.

"O Lord God, there is no God like you, in all the Heaven and earth. You keep you covenant and SHOW UNFAILING LOVE to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion." 

                                                                                  2 Chronicles 6:14 (NLT)

"Your SPECIAL LOVE IS GREAT. It is higher than the skies. Your truth reaches beyond the clouds."  Psalm 108:4 (EEB)

The first 5 Verses of this Psalm come from another of David's - Psalm 57:7-11. He wrote this one in a time when he was hiding in a cave from King Saul, who had wanted to kill him. Paul and Silas also knew  the truth of praising God in difficult circumstances. 

"After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. About midnight Paul and Silas were PRAYING AND SINGING HYMNS TO GOD, and the other prisoners were listening to them." Acts 16:23-25 (NIV)

David tells God that he will always SING HIS PRAISES before the dawn (in the morning) with his harp and lyre (musical instrments). He believed God's love "reached to the skies" and shined to all the glory of creation. We too can sing praises in honour of our Father God, who is truly exalted above the Heavens.

"God I have decided to trust you always. I will sing songs of praise with all that I am, I will pick up my harp and lyre. I will make music as the sun rises! ......God, I will show how great You are, high above the sky! Let everybody on the earth see your glory." Psalm 108:1-2, 5 (EEB)

GOD'S SALVATION & VICTORY - Read Psalm 108:6-9,      60;5-12; Samuel 8

"God proclaims the land and the people of Israel as His own.....He declares His power over Israel's traditional enemies - the Moabites, the Edomites and the Philistines. We have declared David's victories and God's ultimate holiness." David & Pat Alexander

In this Psalm - Verses 7-8, a repitition of Psalm 60:5-12, we have a declaration of David's victories, but these are not his alone, for God would continue in His sovereignty over these lands, to be with David. Ultimately GOD WILL HAVE HIS WILL IN ISRAEL. In Verse 8, we read of the important jobs that God gave His people in Israel:

* IN EPHRAIM AND THE NORTHERN PROVINCES - they were the 'WARRIORS", the strong fighters.

* IN JERUSALEM AND JUDAH - we have their "RULERS", religious leaders and the government. 

"Gilead is mine, and Manasseh, too Ephraim, my helmet, will produce my warriors, and Judah, my sceptor, will produce my Kings." Psalm 108:8 (NLT)

God also declared His authority over the Gentile nations of MOAB , EDOM and PHILISTIA. 

"But Moab, my washbasin, will become my servant, and I will wipe my feet on Edom and shout in triumph over Philistia" Psalm 108:9 (NLT)

Although these were said to be God's humble servants, there was a time, we read in Scripture,  that Moab and Edom were known to be very proud nations. 

"The people of Judah say, "We know how proud Moab's people are. We have heard how they boast about themselves. They think that they can do anhything that they want. But all their pride is empty and useless."  Isaiah 16:6 (EEB)

"The Lord said to Edom, "I will cut you down to size among the nations; you will be greatly despised. You have been deceived by your own pride because you live in a rock fortress and make your home high in the mountains. "Who can ever reach us way up here"? you ask boastfully. But even if you soar as high as eagles and build your nest among the stars, I will bring you crahing down." Obadiah 1:2-4 (EEB)

It is believed that previously David was on good terms with the Moabites, until his parents were killed. David was "rescued by God's right hand". In 2 Samuel 8, we read how David conquered the land of Moab, and "those who were spared became David's subjects and paid him tribute money".  The Edomites also became David's subjects.

"In fact, the Lord gave David victories wherever He went." 2 Samuel 8:14b (NLT)

Finally, we read how God helped David conquer his greatest enemy - the Philistines. Right from the beginning, as a young lad when David had conquered the great giant Goliath, the Philistines had been his most difficult foe. But with the Lord's help:

"David defeated and subdued the Philistines by conquering Gath, their largest town." 

                                                                                             Samuel 8:1 (NLT)

DAVID'S TRUST - Read Psalm 108:10-13; 2 Chronicles 20

"David believed he was rescued by God's right hand of strength and might in the PAST  and he trusted God to do the same in the FUTURE." David Guzik

This final part of David's Psalm is believe to have been written when David was preparing for another battle .

"Who will bring me into the fortified city? Who will bring me victory over Edom?"                                                                                                                           Psalm 108:10 (NLT)

He needed help conquering Edom again. There is no record of David conquering the "unconquerable city of Petra" in Edom, but as David has said over and over again, "WHAT SEEMS TO BE UNCONQUERABLE BY MAN, GOD CAN DO IT!"

"O please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless. With God's help we will do mighty things, for He will trample down our foes." Psalm 108:12&13

WE CAN FIGHT A FIGHT WHEN GOD IS ON OUR SIDE

One of my favourit passages in Scripture is 2 Chronicles 20. It tells the story of another great king, and  fighter of faith - King Jehosophat, who led the armies of Judah and Jerusalem. He was reminded, like David, that he did not go up against his enemies alone, FOR GOD WAS ON HIS SIDE!

"Oh our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We don't know what to do, but we are looking to You for help......Listen all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen King Jehosophat! This is what the Lord says: "Do not be afraid!  Do not be discouraged by the mighty army, for THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS, BUT GOD'S......YOU WILL NOT EVEN NEED TO FIGHT. Take your positions; then STAND STILL AND WATCH THE LORD'S VICTORY. HE IS WITH YOU, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged." 2 Chronicles 20:12,15,17

David and Jehosophat were both elite soldiers who knew their men were useless in battle, unless God was with them. We too can be defeated if God is not with us; but WITH GOD ON OUR SIDE. like David and Jehosophat WE CAN HAVE HOPE AND VICTORY!

"Faith is neither a coward nor a sluggard. She knows that GOD IS WITH HER; therefore, SHE DOES VALIANTLY. She knows He will tread down her enemies, and therefore she arises to TREAD THEM DOWN IN HIS NAME." Charles Spurgeon

CONCLUSION - "THROUGH OUR GOD WE SHALL DO VALIANTLY."

Jesus has trodden down our enemies. The Messiah has stepped on Satan. We can do valiantly if we trust Him each day. The Lord will be by our side every day and night, as we seek His presence. 

PRAISE AND TRUST THE LORD! For HE WILL WIN THE BATTLE FOR YOU! FIGHT WITH JESUS CHRIST, YOUR SAVIOUR AND LORD, ON YOUR SIDE, AND SEE WHAT, TOGETHER, YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH!

"But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard you from the evil one.....May the Lord lead you into a full understanding and expression of the LOVE OF GOD and the PATIENT ENDURANCE that comes from Christ......Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you HIS PEACE AT ALL TIMES and IN EVERY SITUATION..... THE LORD BE WITH YOU ALL. May the grace of of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,"  2 Thessalonians 3:3,5,16&18

Henry, Kent, "Through our God We Shall Do Valiantly," 2020, Songs4Worship/Make a Joyful Noise, Maranatha

"Easy English Bible", 2018, Mission Assist, Wycliffe Translaters

"Thew 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 - 4th Edition", 2009, Lion Hudson

Guzik, David, "Psalm 108 - Praise and Trust from Past for Today", 2020, www.enduringword.com

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

PSALM 107: THANK THE LORD FOR OUR SALVATION

 INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 107

Psalm 107 is the first in the 5th Book of Psalms, written, we believe, by David, mainly as songs of THANKSGIVING AND WORSHIP. This is a HISTORICAL PSALM,  as we remember again how God's people - the Israelites - have come to the Promised Land, and how God has blessed them. 

We read of:

* Travellers, Wanders & Lost,  facing trials and discouragement in the desert wilderness.

* Captives and Prisoners who have disobeyed the laws of the Lord.

* The Sick and those who are Near Death.

* Sailors tossed in  Storms on the sea, both literally and of life. 

All these people "call out to the Lord in their distress", and we are reminded that God always listens to their prayers and answers them.

"God will rescue us from our trials if we ask Him for help." Max Lucado

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivers them in their distress." 

                                                                                                                 Psalm 107:6 (NLT)

Are you facing any of these trials? Are you discouraged? Circumstances may differ for each of us, but we all need to cry out to Lord for help in faith that He will hear us. God is able to lift the heaviest trial that we have and HE WILL! He can HEAL ANY SICKNESS and CALM ANY STORM in our life, but  he reality is, He doesn't always "DO IT IMMEDIATELY!" It will always be 'IN HIS TIME". We need to have COURAGE and be at PEACE, to TRUST HIM to let GOD SAVE US and do "HIS MIRACULOUS TRANSFORMATIONS" in our lives. 

"Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord." Psalm  104:43 (NLT)

In the final verses of this Psalm, David describes transformation on his CREATION and His PEOPLE. God was faithful and loving to His people, the Israelites, and through His Son Jesus, we too have a SAVIOUR AND DELIVERER.

ALL HIS PEOPLE THANK THE LORD  - Read Verses 1-3

We too are to give thanks for the LORD'S GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, MERCY AND LOVINGKINDNESS. WHY?

1. Because IT ENDURES FOREVER. God's love is eternal. No matter what happens in our future, we know that God will always be kind, loving and merciful to us.  For OUR GOD IS A FAITHFUL GOD!

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for He is good. His faithful love endures forever."

 Psalm 107:1 (NLT)

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease! Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:22&23 (NIV)

2. Because WE HAVE EXPERIENCED IT IN OUR LIFE. We are "redeemed" because of His love in sending His Son Jesus to die for us. We therefore NEED TO TELL EVERYONE!

"Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story - those He has redeemed from the hand of the foe, those He gathered from the lands, from East and West, from North and South."

                                                                                            Psalm 107:2&3  (NIV)

3. Because God GATHERED HIS PEOPLE TOGETHER to worship and praise Him together. We still  too can do this together, as "redeemed" children of God. 

THE LORD HEARS THEIR CRIES

PART 1: TRAVELLERS,  WANDERING & LOST - Read Verses 4-9

The Israelites wandered in the wilderness. They were lost, hungry and thirsty. When they "cried out" God met their needs. We too, need to thank the Lord when He answereds our prayers. But our needs are more than just physical.  We have a longing in our soul that has filled. This is the greatest gift of all. 

Jesus tells 3 stories in Luke 15, parables of how he SEEKS OUT THE LOST:

                                           

                                           

        "In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents." 

                                                                                                              Luke 15:10 (NLT)      

" For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Psalm 107:9

In Luke 1, Mary, the mother of Jesus, recites this verse in her prayer, for she had her "longing filled" when she had read Gods's Word. She loved the Lord and His Word. If we know God's Word  and have a desire to know Jesus, God's Son as our Saviour, "the hunger and thirst in our soul will be filled."

"Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never grow hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:33 (NIV)   

PART 2: GUILTY FROM CAPTIVITY - Read Verses 10-16  

Some of the people who came to the Promised Land had come from captivity in prisons. They were actually in dungeons and chains because they had rebelled against God. They were prisoners because of their disobedience.

They too fell down and "cried to the Lord". A cry can be the "most eleoquent type of prayer" in which we "weep out our souls". In some cases it can be a "confession of our sins", in which case the Lord "immediately hears us and forgives us", cleansing our souls.

We too have had our chains broken by Jesus. We trust in His redeeming work at Calvary. In His time, our trials will passd as we TRUST AND OBEY, and look forward to HIS MERCY AND GRACE. We will come, in time, become like "gold tried in a fire". 

"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith - of greater worth than gold even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honour, when Jesus Christ is revealed."

                                                                                                   1 Peter 1:6&7  (NIV)

"This is comfort to the greatest sinners, if they can find a praying heart, God will find a "pitying heart". Rebels shall receive with sweetness, if at length they return, though bought at the cross."

                                                                                                        JOHN TRAPP

"For it is BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED, through FAITH - and this is not from yourselves, IT IS A GIFT FROM GOD." Ephesians 2:8  (NIV)

     PART 3: SICKNESS & DEATH - Verses 17-22   

Because of their iniquities and foolishness, the Israelites became sick; but still God listened to their "cries" and heard their prayers. But if he removed from us our difficult times of illness "immediately", He leaves no time for the lessons He could teach us. 

Don't get me wrong, I believe in PRAYING TO TH LORD, and have EXPERIENCED HIS ANSWERS, but they have been IN HIS OWN TIME and according TO HIS OWN WILL. 

"The Lord doesn't always see fit to remove a disease from His child, though instead He removes the His children from the disease by taking them to Heaven." Ian Story.            

I have experienced this answer many a time too, when it has come to praying for family illness. I am not saying I have not grieved at the losses, but I have discovered that God has always been with me in this times, because I have "called out to Him in my distress".

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent out His Word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave." Psalm 107:19&20 (NIV)

We need to have an appetite for God's Word, for the Bible is the "most reliable healer". In the Gospels we read many instances of where Jesus heals the sick and even raises the dead.

"All that God had to do in order to save us is to SEND US INTO HIS WORD. He has done this by sending HIS DEAR SON who is the INCARNATE WORD. He sent us HIS WORD in the shaper of the HOLY SCRIPTURES, and with the PREACHING OF HIS SERVANTS, but what we want most of all is the WORD SENT BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT." Charles Spurgeon

"In the beginning was the WORD, and WORD WAS WITH GOD, and the WORD WAS GOD."

                                                                                                                        John 1:1     (NIV)  

"Let us give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works  and songs of joy." Psalm 107:21-22 (NIV)

PART 4: STORM TOSSED - Read Verses 23-32

Many sailors had come to the Promised Land travelling over the seas. They had seen storms which had  tossed them back and forth, Like all others in need, they too "called out to the Lord" when they were "storm tossed". 

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper, the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven." Psalm 107:28-30 (NIV)  

"I have been at sea in the storm and in the circumstances I describe, I have cried out to the Lord in my trouble. I am spurred to describe the storm and to retale GOD'S MERCY. None, but either a man inspired by God, will show things as they are or who as actually been in these circumstances can tell you in what priority the Psalmists speaks. GOD SAVED THE READER from such a dangerous an fearful tempest at sea." Adam Clarke                             

You, like the Psalmist and Adam Clarke, will want to have a "safe haven" when you too are in the "storms of life". And as "wild as it gets", God will calm it, just as Jesus calmed His disciples in the storm on the Sea of Galilee, even though they had "litte faith".

This is the final part in which this Psalm reminds us that we need to GIVE THE LORD THANKS AND PRAISE for HIS SALVATION, REDEMPTION AND DELIVERANCE from trials.

"Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders." 

                                                                                      Psalm 107:31-32 (NIV)

                          GOD'S TRANSFORMATIONS

PART 1: OF HIS CREATION - Verses 33-38

God turns GOOD INTO BAD like a river into wilderness. The beautiful Jerusalem was again turned into a desert. 

"He turned rivers into desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there." Psalm 107:33-34  (NIV)

God also turns BAD INTO GOOD - the dry land was again fruitful. He multiplied everything because of  His blessings. 

"He turned the desertr into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; there He brought the hungry to live, and they found a city where they could settle. They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; He blessed them; and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let her herds diminish." Psalm 107:35-38 (NIV)

PART 2: OF HIS PEOPLE AND KINGDOMS - Read Verse 39-41

The Lord lifts up His people ON HIGH. The princes are brought LOW and His people become the KINGDOM OF JERUSALEM, numerous as a flock.

"But He lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks."

                                                                                         Psalm 107: 41 (NIV)

Just as the Israelites were rescued, blessed and transformed by God, we have been transformed by His Son Jesus. He died for us on the Cross, so that we receive forgiveness from our sin, and Jesus as our Saviour. We also recieve adoption as God's children.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." 

                                                                       Galatians 2:20  (NIV)

"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith." Galatians 3:26 (NIV)

CONCLUSION - Verses 42&43

God rescued us from trials when we faithful and "call out to Him" in prayer. He transforms us and makes changes:

* HE GIVE GUIDANCE TO THE LOST.

* HE GIVES LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVE.

* HE RESTORES THE SICK AND THOSE NEAR DEATH.

* HE DELIVERS THOSE TOSSED AT SEA.

The people who are RIGHTEOUS notice these things, how God acts in history, and understands why He is so LOVING, MERCIFUL AND FAITHFUL; and they do what they do to OBSERVE HIS WAYS. 

"Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the LOVING DEEDS OF THE LORD."

                                                                                       Psalm 107:43 (NIV)

"Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for HE IS GRACIOUS and COMPASSIONATE, slow to anger, and ABOUNDING IN LOVE, and He relents from sending calamity." Joel 2:13 (NIV)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28  (NIV)

 

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(2003), Thomas Nelson

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