2018 Dec 29 Psalms, 2John 1
2018 Dec 29 Psalms, 2John 1
Hello and a warm welcome to all! Let's begin with Psalm 29, considering verses 4-11. For thoughts on verses 1-5 you may search "Nov 29".
"4 The voice of Jehovah is powerful; The voice of Jehovah is splendid. 5 The voice of Jehovah is breaking the cedars; Yes, Jehovah shatters the cedars of Lebʹa·non. 6 He makes Lebʹa·non skip like a calf, And Sirʹi·on like a young wild bull. 7 The voice of Jehovah strikes with flames of fire; 8 The voice of Jehovah makes the wilderness shudder; Jehovah makes the wilderness of Kaʹdesh shudder. 9 The voice of Jehovah makes the deer shudder and give birth And strips bare the forests. And all in his temple say: “Glory!” 10 Jehovah sits enthroned above the flooding waters; Jehovah sits enthroned as King forever. 11 Jehovah will give strength to his people. Jehovah will bless his people with peace."
Psalm 29:4 How grateful and appreciative we should be of God's powerful voice and word, since power alone does not prove one's worthiness of it. God's voice is also splendid or magnificent in greatness, and worthy of all honor and glory. God's wise and loving use of power should move us to great admiration and respect and appreciative submission.
Psalm 29:5 Imagine mighty cedars shattering at hearing Jehovah's powerful voice! At times in God's word trees are used to symbolize mighty humans. Unrighteous ones among them could be easily broken at Jehovah's determined voice--how all such ones should recognize His glory and submit to His righteousness, as made clear in His word!
Psalm 29:6 Lebanon and Sirion were two mountain ranges, perhaps the trees of which could be made to "skip like a [docile] calf," or even "like a young wild bull," a frighteningly powerful creature in ancient times.
Psalm 29:7 Jehovah can rain down fire from heaven, as in times past, likely preceded with fiery judgment messages to deter evil ones from a wicked course.
Psalm 29:8 Kadesh, meaning "holy place" was where the Israelites were encamped when the 12 spies were sent to spy out the Promised Land, 10 of them coming back with a "bad report" that lacked faith in God's power, resulting in Israel's loss of the privilege of entry at that time. God's disappointment could perhaps make the wilderness shudder. May we never lose faith in God's power and loving desire to bless our efforts to please Him.
Psalm 29:9 God has the power to strip "bare the forests." May all serving Jehovah as true Christians bow to Him, recognizing His worthiness of honor, saying "Glory!"
Psalm 29:10,11 Waters may refer to the sea of restless wicked among humanity, which Revelation 21:1 foretells will one day be "no more." (Isaia 57:20,21). Jehovah God is the Ultimate King over mankind, and gives strength and peace to His loyal servants. May we count it a privilege to be among them, and assist as many as possible to come out of the darkness, learning to treasure the light of truth, by the love of God.
2John 1:1-3 A letter from an aged apostle John, writing to "the chosen lady and to her children," possibly a cryptic reference to the anointed bride of Christ, those dearly loved by John. He speaks also of "all those who have come to know the truth." May we treasure the divine knowledge of God that we have learned and may continue learning! The gaining of this knowledge is no vain pursuit, as John says this truth "will be with us forever." Notice what else will be "with us" as we consider his words: "1 The older man to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I truly love, and not only I but also all those who have come to know the truth, 2 because of the truth that remains in us and will be with us forever. 3 There will be with us undeserved kindness, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, with truth and love." May we also appreciate God's mercy and undeserved kindness, making possible our journey toward eternal life in peace and happiness before Him, by the many learning to love truth and gaining true love of God and neighbor. May such qualities remain treasured by us, of far greater worth than material things, as Proverbs 4:7 says, "Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom, and with all you acquire, acquire understanding." Such divine wisdom places emphasis on the spiritual man, with prospects of eternal life by God's undeserved kindness.
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Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
