2020 Aug 10 Psalm 119 Stanza 3A, CSL Points to Ponder, Greatest Man
2020 Aug 10 Psalm 119 Stanza 3A, CSL Points to Ponder, Greatest Man
Welcome! An incredibly serious matter arose this morning, so I'm putting everything together as soon as I reasonably can! Expect it precisely 10AM EDT.
PSALM 119
Stanza 3 Theme: FONDNESS FOR GOD'S WORD VITAL FOR FAITHFULNESS
As mentioned in the preview, a key idea for this stanza is that Fondness for God's word is important for faithfulness. Notice verses 17-20: "17 Deal kindly with your servant, So that I may live and observe your word. 18 Open my eyes so that I may see clearly The wonderful things from your law. 19 I am but a foreigner in the land. Do not hide your commandments from me. 20 I am consumed with longing For your judgments at all times."
17 Deal kindly with your servant, So that I may live and observe your word.
WHAT A PRIVILEGE!
Psalm 119:17 Clearly, the psalmist found keen delight in obeying God's word--experiencing the deep joy and inner satisfaction that comes with obedience to God's commands. As Psalm 19:7-8 states: "The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring strength...The orders from Jehovah are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice." Also, the psalmist humbly considered it a privilege to obey God and find such happiness, asking God that He "kindly" deal with him, and allow him to do so. What happiness can be found in life when we earnestly endeavor to live by God's word of guidance and instruction!
18 Open my eyes so that I may see clearly The wonderful things from your law.
THE VALUE AND BEAUTY OF GOD'S LAW!
Psalm 119:18 The psalmist recognizes that a person can be blind to the beautiful truths of God's word and law. This psalmist was to be a king, and accepting a bribe, God's law stated, at Exodus 23:8 "blinds clear-sighted men and can distort the words of righteous men." Also, any form of idolatry, exalting anyone or anything above the place only God should occupy in our hearts, causes those having eyes not to see, a reference to hampered spiritual vision. (Psalm 115). And Paul eludes to this, in referring to those influenced by Satan's godship, at 2Corinthians 4:4, "among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through." Therefore, may we not be fooled into underestimating the value or beauty of God's law, nor the rewards of adhering thereto. Eternal life in true peace and happiness is surely worth every effort to attain!
19 I am but a foreigner in the land. Do not hide your commandments from me.
TREASURE THE PRIVILEGE!
The psalm may not declare it's author openly, but verses such as this may assist us in recognizing his identity. Not many with such a grasp of God's laws and wisdom would be considered "a foreigner in the land." The kings were required to read in God's law daily, with the goal of observing all that was written in it (Deute 17:19; Joshua 1:8). They would thus tend to develop similar appreciation for God's word like this psalmist. But who among the kings could be considered "a foreigner"? Evidence suggests a knowledgable writer, but one also experiencing many hardships. With all the evidence within the psalm, David, the future king, probably couldn't hide his authorship from those who knew of him if he tried. His point here, perhaps is how sad if he were to be considered unworthy by God of knowing His commandments, as if a worshipper of false gods. May we treasure the true worship of Jehovah God, and appreciate the privilege of keeping His law as a clean devoted servant of Him.
20 I am consumed with longing For your judgments at all times.
EVER REMAIN IN GOD'S LOVE.
When God evaluates a situation, comparing or contrasting with wise discernment, He thus renders important decisions that we can learn from, and be motivated to keeping "integrity, fearing God and shunning what is bad." (Job 1:8). Of course, Jehovah takes delight, not in punishment, but in showing compassionate mercy wherever possible. However, "those whom Jehovah loves he disciplines," so He lovingly offers correction "to the proper degree" that we may maintain our close relationship with Him. (Jeremiah 46:28). Yet some may violate what is right to such an extent that they refuse to turn back from their error with hope of God's favor. We have enough examples from the past found in God's word to learn to hate such a course of wrongdoing and avoid losing out on our hope of eternal life. May we appreciate God's love for us to such an extent that we ever seek to remain in it.
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POINTS TO PONDER
A "NEW PERSONALITY."
Colossians 3:8-10 shows some of the changes we must undergo as true Christians, putting on the "new personality": "8 But now you must put them all away from you: wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another. Strip off the old personality with its practices, 10 and clothe yourselves with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it."
Just as a caterpillar can turn into a beautiful butterfly, so those learning the truth about God and his purposes, and heeding the teachings of Christ, can make astounding changes in their lives in the power of God.
GRACIOUS WORDS MORE PALATABLE.
Colossians 4:6 reminds us "6 Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should answer each person." We should be in the practice of speaking gently, tactfully toward others, having positive, encouraging things to say, strengthening them. With self-control, we should be able to be gentle and tactful even when others may accuse us or find fault with us, thus 'turning away rage,' or defusing a tense situation. (Proverbs 15:1). Even when irritated over a matter, for instance when being treated unfairly, it usually does no good to use a "harsh word" that merely "stirs up anger." We can still choose stronger words that get our point across, without causing tempers to flare.
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GREATEST MAN WHO EVER LIVED
Jesus Christ, the obedient and miracle-working Son of God, taught so much about the loving ways and personality of his father, Jehovah. Through the miracles he performed in God's power, there were often vital lessons to be learned! One highly important example of this is found in the Bible book of Matthew, chapter 14. Directing his disciples to get into their boat and go ahead of him to the other side of the sea of Galilee, Jesus himself needed time on the mountainside for prayer to his Father. He evidently spent considerable time doing so, as he had recently experienced deep sadness over the loss of his beloved cousin, John the Baptist. (Matthew 14:12). Later that evening, the boat had made little headway, because the wind had been against them. As dawn approached, Jesus walked on the water toward the disciples! At first, they didn't know who it was, then Jesus spoke: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Peter said: "Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus commanded: "Come!" Peter got down out of the boat and walked on the water." Before he got to Jesus, however, he began to sink! "Lord, save me!" Jesus caught him. "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Thus, faith in God and his Son is so vital, not doubting their love and interest in us!
Find Life and See
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!
