Seeds of Truth - 4/15/11

Scripture: Psalm 19:7-11

Observation:

The law, statutes, precepts, etc. are more than simple words, they are the words of God and they bring delight to the soul.

The poetic structure of this psalm goes beyond a few observations. I remember from prior studies that this section is part of the chiastic form of the larger Psalm. The first part of the Psalm draws attention to how God reveals himself to all people through his creation. The last verses deal with God's very specific revelation to the individual through his thoughts, meditations, and prayers. The focus of the Psalm is on these verses - which highlight God's unique revelation to all who have the Word of God.

Just a quick note here on why I love the Old Testament so much. At the time of this writing there was no New Testament. In fact, many of the prophets had yet to be born. But David speaks so passionately about the Word that you can't help but be drawn to it. He isn't just talking about the stories and the miracles - though they are there. He isn't just talking about the prophecies of Christ - though they are there. He isn't just reflecting on the promises of God's goodness - though they are there. He isn't meditating on the character of God through the wisdom literature - though that is certainly there. He is addressing the Laws of God as revealed through Moses.

As a king of Israel he was required to hand-write his own copy of the Pentateuch so that he would know its requirements. David is expressing here a first-hand love of this law, the precepts, the commands and so forth. It is the law that governs behavior and the precepts that provide the foundation for a just and generous society. The fear of the Lord is the basis for all wisdom and the way that we approach a holy God.

David drinks it all in and absolutely gushes in his delight in the words of the Lord. They are like water in a desert. They are light in dark places. They are truth in a world of relativity. They are life-giving morsels in a land of spiritual famine.

Oh how I love your law.

Application:

The Lord has still been impressing me with new thoughts as I meditate on all of the themes of plants that grow. Maybe it's the spring (sort of - maybe snow tomorrow), but I have been reflecting on so many thoughts of planting and harvesting.

The parable of the Sower and the Seeds (Matthew 13)

The Lord of the Harvest (Luke 10:2)

Oaks of Righteousness (Isaiah 61:3) and a garden (Isaiah 61:11)

The harvest as a sign of God's blessing (Psalm 67:6)

None of these themes were conceived ahead of time as I selected the verses for the 40 days. But God has been using them to remind me that what is sown will eventually be harvested. Where the seed is cast the fruit will last. (OK, that's a pretty bad rhyme...)

Prayer:

Today, Lord cultivate the soil of my heart anew. Turn over the earth and upset the compacted places of my heart. Freely plow up the weeds and break up the hard soil. Plant your word deep in my mind and heart today as I feast on your truth. Bring joy and delight to me as I follow your commands. May this day be one of planting new seeds and also a season of bearing fruit. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen.


 


 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Arlow Carey Underlined Bible

Arlow Carey, as my grandfather, was a fixture in my life for many years. When he passed away a couple years ago, the family entrusted me with his Bible, a treasured possession by both of us. This isn't an ordinary Bible. The specs: It is a Thompson New Chain-Reference Bible (third improved edition) that was purchased from Leroy Gager in 1936. On the back of the title page are these words, "I bought this Bible in 1936. It has the "third" new cover now in 1980's". What does that say about a man? I suppose first it says a lot about his love for the Word of God and its author. This Bible was carried for nearly 70 years – all through his adult life. It spent time in his recliner, in his lap during sermons, on the breakfast table with weak coffee and burnt toast, on a lectern as he taught adults and hundreds of other places. I'm sure that it went to Gideon meetings. It probably accompanied him to Africa. My own memories place this Bible in his hands as he read...
Read more

John Stott's Daily Prayer

This morning - over another cup of coffeee - I read the daily prayer of John Stott. I was impressed again with the simplicity of prayer and a life of seeking God. This prayer wouldn't set the world on fire if prayed just once or twice. But imagine the impact on your life if this was your focus and passion that fueled you every day. Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live this day in your presence and please you more and more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control Holy, blessed and glorious trinity, three persons in one God, have mercy upon me. Almighty God, Creator and sustainer of the universe, I worship you. Lord Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord of the World, I worship you. Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the people of God, I worship you. Gl...
Read more

The Lord is God - Journal for 3/24/11

Image
Scripture: Psalm 95:1-7 "For the Lord is the great God." Observation: The Lord is our Shepherd. He is the One who created everything that has been made. All of creation sings his praise, and we are the loudest voice of that great choir. Worship seems to be a very noisy practice. It is full of shouting, music, and song. It is the thunder on the mountains and the roaring of the seas. It is the sound of all nature giving praise to him. In response to God's marvelous care for us, his sheep, we come and kneel before him in silence. Silence is another sound of worship. It is the true connection of the heart of the worshipper with the heart of the maker. The psalmist uses both "God" and "Lord" as the names of God. The Lord (YHWH) is the Hebrew name that God chose to sign his covenants with his people. It refers to the caring, gracious, compassionate and loving attributes of his character. God (elohim) is the name God uses to refer to his majestic strength...
Read more