Psalms - Collection of Commentaries Part 1

 Psalm 32:1-6

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. - Psalm 32:1

TODAY IN THE WORD

Viking explorer Eric the Red discovered a new North Atlantic island in the tenth century. It was covered mostly with glaciers and rocks, having only a few patches of land that were suitable for living. Yet Eric gave his discovery the name Greenland, in the hope that colonists would be more likely to come to the new island if it had an attractive name.

Whether Eric's ruse worked is a question for the historians. But it illustrates our human tendency to put a positive spin on reality. Psalm 32 may have been written against the background of another ruse. We do not have the exact details in the text, but David apparently sinned in some way and tried to cover it up (vv. 3-5)(Some believe it was David's sin with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11).

The king tried to deny the truth for a period of time, but it only made him miserable. He complained that his strength 'was sapped as in the heat of summer' (v. 4).

Some of our Today readers may identify with this analogy more quickly than others, but all of us have experienced summer heat that left us feeling drained and exhausted. Of all the seasons, summer has the unique ability to steal our energy. David chose his word picture well, because our Christian lives can also enter a period in which our faith feels parched and weak.

In David's case, sin was the cause of a summer drought in his heart, and even his body. The remedy for David's dryness was full confession of his sin to God and a prayer for forgiveness. If that is the cause of our problem, the remedy is the same. Instead of being blasted by the summer heat of guilt, the believer whose 'sin account' is current with God is blessed.

There are other reasons for a period of time like this, of course. Physical or emotional suffering, intense spiritual struggle, or any number of other circumstances can bear down on us and drain away our strength. But whether our need is to confess, or persevere in the face of a hard trial, God has new strength waiting for us when we turn to Him.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

We again encourage you to use Scripture verses in prayer. Today's lesson calls for this kind of response.

Devotional from Moody Bible Institute

 Psalm 32:1-11

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. - Psalm 32:1

TODAY IN THE WORD

Forgiveness is good for you. Several recent studies have shown links between forgiving others and mental and physical health. Vengeful people, for example, place themselves at higher risk for cardiovascular problems. Anger and depression resulting from unforgiveness put the body under tremendous stress; chronic stress weakens the immune system and can lead to other physical disorders. Unforgiveness also increases the chances of a heart attack, cancer, high blood pressure, and other illnesses. But forgiveness can help lower depression, anxiety, and stress. It reduces blood pressure, decreases heart rate, and helps one sleep better at night. Letting go of hurts and offenses reduces the burden on both mind and body.

Researchers are finding what believers have long known: Forgiveness is a rich blessing. To confess and be forgiven is a righteous pleasure. Since we know that God delights to forgive (see October 1), we can be sure that He intends for us to delight in it as well!

Today’s reading describes the exuberance of being forgiven. The sequence is simple: when we confess, God will surely forgive our sins (v. 5). When our sins are forgiven, we will surely experience joy and blessing. “Blessed” (v. 1) has been said to mean, “Oh, how very happy!” By contrast, before the psalmist confessed, he labored under heavy conviction. His silence, an implicit attempt to deceive God about the truth of his sin, was a burden. The language David used here is extreme--he groaned continuously, his strength was sapped, and his bones wasted away--so extreme that some commentators believe he endured a physical illness. He suffered because he wouldn’t acknowledge his sin before God.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

 Psalm 32:1-11

I said, ""I will confess my transgressions to the Lord""-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. - Psalm 32:5

 Psalm 33:1-5

The word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. - Psalm 33:4

TODAY IN THE WORD

Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow called the rituals of life ""secret anniversaries of the heart."" He was referring to the moments, the remembrances, and the routines that add meaning to daily life.

We hope each day this month is an ""anniversary of the heart"" for you as we celebrate the faithfulness of our loving God. Today's reading suggests a ritual that will enhance your celebration and add new meaning to these days leading up to Thanksgiving. The Bible calls us to ""sing joyfully to the Lord"" (v. 1).

The psalmist's call is to those who are ""righteous"" and ""upright,"" terms that describe those who are in right standing before God. In New Testament terms, these are people who have joyfully received God's forgiveness and cleansing for sin by putting their faith in Christ and His work on the cross. That's something worth singing about!

The song is ""new"" (v. 3) because nothing like our redemption in Christ has ever been seen before. The psalmist refers to this new song prophetically--it will be sung when the risen and exalted Christ opens the scroll in heaven (Rev. 5:9-10). Notice that the subject of the song is Christ's worthiness because He is the Redeemer.

As we return to Psalm 33, we are urged to sing praises to God because His Word is true and ""He is faithful in all He does."" That applies to anything that could happen to us, regardless of whether it seems good or bad from our perspective.

In other words, God's faithfulness is not an escape hatch from trouble or temptation. Rather, we have the rock of His person and His promises to cling to in any kind of storm. God's faithfulness also means we never have to question His motive in allowing trials in our lives (James 1:2-4). He remains righteous and just in everything He does--no exceptions.

In verse 5 we are introduced to one of the greatest manifestations of God's faithfulness: His ""unfailing love,"" which God will never rescind or recall, no matter what happens. Remember this word, because we will meet it again and again. Because of God's loyal love, we can sing joyfully to Him.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

The psalmist says it is ""fitting"" that God's people should sing a song of praise to Him.

Devotional from Moody Bible Institute

 Psalm 33:4-11

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made. - Psalm 33:6

TODAY IN THE WORD

Annie Jump Cannon, a pioneering astronomer of the early twentieth century, invented the modern system of classifying stars according to their spectra. She grouped them into seven categories, each labelled by a single letter, so that today we speak, for example, of a “K-type star.” Since her day, three new categories have been added, but her system is still taught in basic astronomy classes.

Cannon catalogued more than 400,000 stars over a career of more than 40 years. She is also credited with discovering 300 variable stars. For her work, she was given the first honorary doctorate ever presented by Oxford University, and was the first woman elected as an officer of the American Astronomical Society.

The stars observed and classified by Annie Jump Cannon should prompt praise for the God who created and organized them. He alone is worthy!

Psalm 33 urges us to sing to God a new song (v. 3), then gives us plenty of reasons to do so. One is His character (vv. 4-5). His words are right and true, utterly reliable and trustworthy. He’s faithful in all that He does (cf. Ps. 119:89-90). Furthermore, He is righteous, just, and loving. His love is everywhere and it never fails!

The psalmist moves naturally from God’s attributes to His works, chiefly creation (vv. 6-9). By the same powerful word that is always right and true, He made and ordered the created world. We might say verse 9 is a short summary of Genesis 1: “He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.” It’s that simple!

God is sovereign not only over creation, but also over all the peoples of the earth (vv. 10-11). He’s no local deity! He has full control over the plans and ambitions of the nations, but they, on the other hand, can do nothing to thwart His purposes.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

 Psalm 34:1-7

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. - Isaiah 26:3

TODAY IN THE WORD


In August, 1875, English bishop Edward Bickersteth was on vacation when he heard a minister speak on Isaiah 26:3. The speaker pointed out that in the original language of this verse, ""peace"" is repeated, the Hebrew way of conveying perfection. Bickersteth noted the insight--and that same afternoon, he shared the comfort of this verse with a dying relative. God's peace seemed to flood the room, and Bickersteth was so moved that he took out a pen and paper and wrote the words that we know today as the hymn, ""Peace, Perfect Peace.""

Isaiah 26:3 is a wonderful promise, and Psalm 34 shows us one way to make God's peace real in our lives--through the expression of praise and thanksgiving in prayer.

The promised peace comes to the person whose mind is steadfast because it is fixed on the Lord. Verses 1-3 of our text reveal a mindset that is focused on the Lord, as David offers up to God his prayer of praise.

We can't talk about the power of prayer without realizing that one of the primary purposes of prayer is to ""extol the Lord"" (v. 1). And besides bringing God the glory that is due Him, this kind of prayer also serves as a testimony to others. David called on the congregation to join him in glorifying God.

David went on to explain the source of his confidence (vv. 4-7). God had delivered David from great danger and fear in the episode with the Philistine king Achish (1 Sam. 21:10-15). David went from fear to peace and radiant confidence because he sought God in prayer, and the Lord answered.

We're all ""poor"" in the sense David describes in verse 6. In ourselves we are bankrupt of the spiritual resources we need to experience God's peace and deliverance from trials.

But everything we lack, our great God has in abundance. When we praise Him even in the middle of trouble, we find the peace that comes only when ""the angel of the Lord"" takes up guard duty around us.

Paul knew that same peace. And he understood the vital connection between praise and thanksgiving, and the peace of God (see Phil. 4:6-7). When we come to God with joyful, thankful hearts, His peace ""does sentry duty"" in our lives.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Of course, God's peace does not mean the absence of problems. But it does provide the grace and power you need to persevere and praise Him despite any difficulty. According to Paul, peace comes with thanksgiving. Why not gather the family around this weekend, or get together with a few Christian friends and have a ""praise and thanksgiving"" party? Recall the good things God has done and is doing for you.

Devotional from Moody Bible Institute

 Psalm 34:11-16; James 4:11-12;

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. - Psalm 34:13

TODAY IN THE WORD

Although the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the freedom of speech, not all forms of expression are legally acceptable. Slander is one of the types of speech that the Supreme Court has ruled can be restricted. But this doesn’t mean that the Court has made it easy to restrict slander. In order to win a slander case against someone (along with libel, which is slander in a printed form), you must be able to prove that the content of the statement was demonstrably false and that there was a malicious intent before the slander was spoken. Because of this burden of proof, very few slander cases actually are brought to court.

God’s Word has a clearer restriction on slander for Christians: don’t ever do it! In our passage today, James returns to a theme that has recurred throughout this book–the use of our tongues. There are many ways we can use our tongues for evil purposes, and one is to slander and condemn people.

James clarifies why our slander, particularly against other Christians, is problematic. When we speak evil of others, we are sitting in judgment over them. Our critical spirit is then assuming the place of God, who is the only one who has the right to judge others. Our slander is another outworking of our pride and favoritism, two sins that we have already seen indicate that we are no longer walking according to God’s desires but are following our own path.


TODAY ALONG THE WAY

 Psalm 35:1-28

The Lord will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal. - Isaiah 42:13

TODAY IN THE WORD

In times of war, soldiers and generals often become popular heros. Their brave exploits frequently attain legendary status. During World War II, General Douglas MacArthur came to signify firm, unflinching resolve when he left the Philippines declaring, “I will return.”

When he did, in fact, return to liberate the Philippines from Japanese control, a famous photo of him wading ashore captured the American sense of commitment to be defenders of freedom against aggression.

Today’s reading portrays God as a divine Warrior or Defender. David calls on the Lord to come to his aid, picturing him as a mighty, rescuing soldier wielding all-powerful weapons (vv. 1-3). The king, himself a famous military commander, knew that his successes and victories resulted not from human strength, but from God’s supernatural power (2 Sam. 22).

This passage alternates between accusations against the wicked and prayers for God to save the psalmist. David’s enemies had attacked him without cause, so he hoped their downfall would be sudden and complete. They repaid evil for good, betrayed friendship, made false accusations, and took malicious delight in all of it.

Showing faith in God’s righteousness, David prayed that his enemies would be routed: “God, come and fight for me! Vindicate me! Defend me! Strap on your armor and rush to my aid!” When that day comes, he said, “My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long” (v. 28).

God fights on behalf of His people, as He did to bring Israel out of Egypt. On the eve of the battle of Jericho, He appeared to Joshua as the commander of the heavenly hosts. He uses His might to help widows and orphans (Prov. 23:10-11). As a warrior, He also opposes His people when they follow false gods and sinful lifestyles.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

 Psalm 37:1-9

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:4

TODAY IN THE WORD

Several months ago the newspaper told the unusual story of an elderly man in Minnesota. This gentleman offered to leave his $375ꯠ estate to any clergy from any faith, or anyone else, who could answer his questions about spirituality and the afterlife, and make him 'feel better about facing eternity.'

Are there really people out there who are willing to give everything they have to find peace with God? Of course there are, and they aren't always the rich and famous. Countless numbers of ordinary men and women want to know how to find lasting contentment in their souls.

Psalm 37 is a great formula for peace and contentment but it's not for everyone, and it's not for sale. David is writing to 'the righteous' (v. 12), 'the blameless' (v. 18), 'the just' (v. 28). These are people who already know God as Savior. God can make astonishing promises to them, like the one in today's verse, when their hearts are right before Him.

This is another familiar psalm, like the one we studied yesterday. We want to focus on the details of what could be called David's formula for peace. You may want to write these down on a card you can post somewhere this month, because they're a wonderful remedy for fears.

First, our trust needs to be in the Lord, not in the assurances of experts. He is the One who can help us 'enjoy safe pasture' even when the world seems like a dangerous place (v.3).

Second, we're told to delight ourselves in God (v. 4). That means He Himself becomes our number one desire, not the temporal gifts He can give us.

Third, when we commit our way to the Lord (vv. 5-6), He will vindicate us, probably before those who would be critical of our service to God.

Fourth, we need to be still in God's presence (v. 7, see the December 1 study). Here the focus is on not worrying about what others may do and their seeming success. This verse is tailor-made for the worries our world has today.

Fifth, David says to refrain from anger (v. 8). We tend to get upset when it seems like the bad guys are winning. The best thing we can do about it is to put ourselves in God's hands and then stay there. He is never surprised by anything.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Did you notice that these five items are commands? God is not giving us an optional way of life we can take or leave.

 Psalm 37:1-9.

TODAY IN THE WORD

Envy can rear its head at the most unexpected times and in the most unlikely places. A reporter once went to Hannibal, Missouri, the hometown of author Mark Twain, to find out details about the writer. There he asked a man if he knew Twain. The man said he did, but scoffed, “I know just as many stories as Mark Twain. The only difference is he just writ ‘em down!”

The fact that famous people inspire envy in others shouldn’t surprise us. The envy that Twain’s fellow Missourian felt over his success comes all too naturally to us. Famous or successful people usually attract more than their share of old classmates, acquaintances and former neighbors who knew the person “back when” and try to downplay his or her accomplishments.

Such remarks may seem harmless. But envy can be truly deadly. There’s little doubt that it belongs on the ancient list known as the Seven Deadly Sins. One old usage of the English word is also used to describe malice, the kind of evil motive that can lead to murder. For example, we’re told that envy was the driving human motivation behind our Lord’s crucifixion.

Pontius Pilate wanted to set Jesus free because he knew that the chief priests and elders were acting out of envy (Matt. 27:12-18). Their hatred of Jesus was evident to everyone who watched. Envy is dangerous. If Satan can get a foothold in our hearts by causing us to look with malice on the success of others, there’s no telling what can happen. To soothe our resentment, we might even find ourselves doing something to bring the other person down.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

 Psalm 37:23-31

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. - Psalm 37:25

TODAY IN THE WORD

In a recent article in Christianity Today magazine entitled 'Gambling Away the Golden Years,' John W. Kennedy points out that among elderly people, addiction to gambling is a growing problem. The gambling industry is very skillful at marketing its wares to seniors, offering every conceivable incentive. Part of the reason gambling is so popular among people in this group is that many of them have more disposable income and time available than at any other time in their lives, and many are also seeking an escape from loneliness.

In the middle of this moral and spiritual fog, we need to hear the ringing testimony of a biblical 'senior citizen,' King David. He beautifully affirms the hope of God's people, and God's faithfulness, in the poetic words of today's verse. The Word speaks to the fears and anxieties that can grip a person's heart in the season of faith that comes during the older years.

Notice first David's straightforward statement, 'Now I am old.' There was no self-consciousness or sense of regret at all about reaching this stage of life, which is as it should be (v. 25).

Now admittedly, older people in our culture face a problem David didn't encounter. In ancient Israel, as in most non-Western cultures even today, a grey head was considered a badge of honor. The elderly were looked to for wisdom, not set on the sidelines or exploited.

But thank the Lord, culture doesn't have the last word in the lives of God's children. Psalm 37 details the incredible stability godly older people can have in Him, and the lasting impact they can make on their world.

For example, God will firmly anchor those whose lives are a delight to Him those who 'turn from evil and do good.' They may stumble, but they will not finally fall (v. 24). Neither will they be forsaken (v. 27).

From this position of spiritual strength, these seasoned saints can pass on blessing to their descendants (v. 26). They can even help ensure the stability of an entire nation (v. 29) and share the wisdom of God accumulated over many years of trials endured and tests completed (v. 30). That's a priceless legacy.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

David was absolutely convinced that older people have a lot to offer the kingdom of God. That fact will never change.

Psalm 38

I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. - Psalm 38:18

TODAY IN THE WORD

A leading Boston Puritan, Samuel Sewall, was one of the judges during the notorious Salem witch trials in early American history. Afterwards, his conscience began to eat at him. One day he heard his son reciting Matthew 12:7: “If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.” Sewall knew he had to repent. On January 14, 1697, he stood before his church with head bowed while his pastor read out his humble confession.

Confessing our sins before God is another type of prayer we should practice often. Psalm 38 is traditionally considered one of the seven “penitential psalms,” with the others being Psalms 6, 32, 51, 102, 130, and 143. The main point is found in verse 18: “I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.” Thus, when the psalmist asked the Lord to help him, we understand that he was talking primarily about forgiveness.

David’s soul was sick, and he described these feelings in intense bodily terms. He had no health, his bones were unsound, his back ached, his wounds festered, he was mute and deaf, he felt crushed and helpless. All these symptoms afflicted him because he knew he had offended God (v. 4). God was disciplining His child, exercising holy wrath to bring him to the painful point of repentance. The physical imagery is so vivid here that some commentators actually think the psalmist had a life-threatening illness! Have you ever confessed your sins with this kind of spiritual intensity? In addition, because David was Israel’s king, God had made his sin and its consequences public. As a result, his friends had dropped away and his enemies were waiting to pounce.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

 Psalm 40

He lifted me out of the slimy pit; . . . he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. - Psalm 40:2

TODAY IN THE WORD

In the Scripture reading today, you may have been puzzled by the beginning of verse 6: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced.” Put aside all thoughts of jewelry–the explanation is found in the Mosaic Law. “But if the servant declares, 'I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life” (Ex. 21:5–6).
In other words, to have one’s ear pierced symbolized a voluntary, lifelong commitment to service. Verse 6, then, is King David’s declaration that he is God’s servant for life. In the prayer of Psalm 40, he explained why he made this choice–God’s saving actions and character.

Who is God and what does He do? He hears and answers prayer. He saves and redeems people in trouble, giving them a secure place to stand. He even puts a new song in their mouths to praise Him for doing so–and if anyone was ever qualified to write that verse, it was David! Even beyond the mighty wonders God had done, though, the psalmist was amazed at the personal relationship God had made possible between Himself and mere humans. He has revealed to us personally His love, truth, and faithfulness.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

 Psalm 45:1-7

About the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever.” - Hebrews 1:8

TODAY IN THE WORD

Hudson Taylor, the great missionary to China, once described Jesus Christ’s earthly life in these terms: “To save man He became Man--not merely like man, but very man. In language, in costume, in everything unsinful, He made Himself One with those He sought to benefit. Had He been born a noble Roman instead of a Jew, He would perhaps have commanded more of a certain kind of respect; and He would assuredly have been spared much indignity. This, however, was not His aim; He emptied Himself [as] the meek and lowly Jesus.”

Taylor was describing the aspect of the Lord’s ministry we are most familiar with as Christians. Because Jesus took on human flesh, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and arose in victory over death, we have forgiveness of sins and the sure hope of eternal life.

But let’s also remember that, although His royalty was obscured by His lowly surroundings in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ was born a King (Matt. 2:2). The Messiah was God’s ruler who would perfectly fulfill His promises to Israel, including His covenant with David: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (2 Sam. 7:16). Jesus Christ is the only one qualified to rule forever.

Because David’s royal line held such great importance for Israel, the Old Testament writers often spoke of the current king on David’s throne in very exalted terms. Psalm 45 is a good example--a royal psalm apparently composed to celebrate an unnamed king’s wedding. The king may have been Solomon.

The psalmist composed a message full of energy. Was he aware he was also writing about Messiah coming out of the line of David? We can’t say with certainty, but the language definitely describes the reign of Christ. Far more than any human king, He is clothed with “splendor and majesty” (v. 3), and He will someday ride triumphantly out of heaven. Verses 2-7 are a tremendous description of the kingdom glories Christ will bring.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

God is always true to the promises He gives us in His Word.

 Psalm 46; 1 Kings 19:1-18

Then Samuel said [to the Lord], “Speak, for your servant is listening.” - 1 Samuel 3:10

TODAY IN THE WORD

Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of thee . . . I simply present myself before thee, I open my heart to thee. . . . I am silent; I offer myself in sacrifice; I yield myself to thee; I would have no other desire than to accomplish thy Will. Teach me to pray. Pray thyself in me. Amen.–François Fénelon

Ole Hallesby shares a significant incident in his book, Prayer. Although his young son knew that he was not supposed to disturb his father during work hours, the boy nevertheless came into his father’s office one day and said, “Papa, dear, I will sit still all the time if you will only let me be here with you!”

For many of us, however, simply wanting to “sit still” with the Lord may not be our daily experience. We are more comfortable doing things for God and speaking to Him than simply listening to Him.

Sometimes we aren’t even sure how to listen to God. The Lord spoke to Elijah in “a gentle whisper” (v. 12), but we may prefer a great shout! Our culture suggests that “louder is better” and more important.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

We can hear the Lord in a variety of ways–directly through the ministry of the Holy Spirit or indirectly through other people or circumstances. Most often, however, we hear Him in conjunction with His Word, either through the words in the Bible itself or in prayer as we seek to understand His Word.

Devotional from Moody Bible Institute

 Psalms 46, 116
Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, save me!” - Psalm 116:4

TODAY IN THE WORD

Write thy blessed name, O Lord, upon my heart, there to remain so indelibly engraven, that no prosperity, no adversity shall ever move me from thy love. Be thou to me a strong tower of defense, a comforter in tribulation, a deliverer in distress, a very present help in trouble, and a guide to heaven through the many temptations and dangers in this life. Amen.–Thomas À Kempis

Psalm 40 contains striking references to enemies and their destruction (vv. 14–15). Many psalmists often faced physical death, so it’s not surprising to find bold prayers for protection in the Psalms. We may not face such harrowing physical experiences, but our lives are filled with nonphysical enemies that plague us, such as depression, anger, lust, fear, and bitterness.

The stark portrayal of enemies and the confidence in the Lord’s deliverance make the Psalms a prayer book for those who seek protection, whether from physical dangers, emotional threats, or spiritual enemies.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

The most effective prayers for protection need not be long. Consider the simple “Lord, save me!” recorded in today’s verse and uttered by millions throughout the ages. Often in the midst of extremely difficult circumstances this is all we can truly pray. In such times, the Lord’s promise “I will be with you always” (Matt. 28:20) is a profound assurance.

 Psalm 46:1-3; Isaiah 46:9-13

God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. - Psalm 46:1

TODAY IN THE WORD

Last November, Britain’s Prince Charles was greeting a group of children during a visit to Riga, Latvia, when a young woman reached out from the crowd and slapped the prince across the face with a flower. Charles flinched and pulled back as police grabbed his assailant and took her away. The prince was unhurt and continued along the street speaking to bystanders.

The reason for this assault provides a perfect illustration of the complex and disturbing times in which we live. The woman told police she attacked Prince Charles to protest Britain’s role in the U.S.-led bombing of Afghanistan following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Think about that international tangle for a minute. A young person in a Baltic country was protesting a Western European nation’s involvement in a war that was provoked in the United States and was being fought in Central Asia. Our world is not only a smaller place than ever before, but a more confusing and dangerous place than ever before.

We are definitely in the middle of hard times as a nation and as God’s people. You’ll recall how quickly and almost frantically various religious and political leaders took the stage after September 11 to assure us that Islam was a religion of peace, and that the terrorists did not represent the vast majority of their people. Trying to prevent revenge attacks on our Muslim neighbors is a worthy goal, but this action calls for us to ignore differences and to strive for religious unity that threatens the truth of the gospel. It will take courage for Christians to lovingly but firmly “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Devotional from Moody Bible Institute

 Psalm 51:1-17

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. - Psalm 51:7

TODAY IN THE WORD

In Reliving the Passion, author Walter Wangerin questioned whether the reasons for a particular sin matter.

Does the motive of a sin--its rationale, its reasons--make it any less a sin? Isn’t the betrayal of the sovereignty of the Lord in our lives always a sin, regardless of the factors that drove us to betray Him? Yes! Yet we habitually defend ourselves and diminish our fault by referring to reasons why we “had to” do it. We sinners are so backward that we try to justify ourselves by some condition which preceded the sin.

To rationalize sin is to justify oneself, protecting and holding onto sin. But to see sin as God does is to repent in brokenness of heart, allowing His forgiveness to cleanse us.

The background for today’s reading is King David’s adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband, Uriah (see 2 Sam. 11–12). His eventual confession prompted by a confrontation with the prophet Nathan is recorded here.

Where did David begin in his confession? He began with God. His confession showed great faith in God’s character: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions” (v. 1). He trusted in God’s power to forgive sin--to blot it out and wash the sinner clean. Hyssop symbolized ritual cleansing under the Law (v. 7). The king’s confession also demonstrated spiritual brokenness. He understood how much he offended God; in fact, he couldn’t forget it. He grieved deeply over what he’d done--it was as though his bones had been crushed. He acknowledged the justice of God’s punishment, which is no light statement considering that the penalty of his sin was the death of his baby son (v. 4). He also acknowledged his general sinful condition (v. 5).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

 Psalm 51:1-17

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love. - Psalm 51:1

TODAY IN THE WORD

The father of a soldier, who was being court-martialed, appealed to president Abraham Lincoln to pardon his son. Lincoln then brought out a telegram he had received from one of his generals, who asked Lincoln not to interfere in the case. But when the man's face fell in despair, Lincoln wrote a note saying the soldier was not to be shot until further orders were given from the President.
'Why, I thought it was a pardon,' the father said.

'My old friend,' Lincoln replied, 'I see you are not very well acquainted with me. If your son never dies until orders come from me to shoot him, he will live to be a great deal older than Methuselah.'

Lincoln's dilemma is a good illustration of two aspects of sin that are two more reasons why theology matters. These are guilt and forgiveness, two biblical teachings that have been the victim of much unclear thinking in our culture.

Forgiveness was a hot topic of conversation this past year. But much of the rhetoric shows that once again, the world's idea of forgiveness falls short of the biblical standard. That's doubly true for the generally accepted notion of what it means to be guilty.

In David's prayer of confession, we are reminded that only God can forgive the guilt of sin (v 14). This is because sin is first and foremost an offense against God and His holy standards. David, a murderer and adulterer, said to God, 'Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight' (v. 4).

God is the offended party whom we must deal with when we sin. That's a radical departure from the idea that guilt is solely a legal concept to be decided in court, or an outmoded relic from our Puritan past that needs to be discarded. If all behavior was a person's private business, it would be virtually impossible to determine guilt.

It's not surprising that people who have a defective view of guilt also tend to devalue forgiveness. It's not just a matter of God patting us on the head and sending us on our way. David knew there was a cost to forgiveness, and his plea to God reflected his knowledge that sin required a blood sacrifice.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Psalm 130:3 makes the profound statement: 'If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?'

 Psalm 51:1-17

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. - Psalm 51:7

TODAY IN THE WORD

In Reliving the Passion, author Walter Wangerin questioned whether the reasons for a particular sin matter.

Does the motive of a sin--its rationale, its reasons--make it any less a sin? Isn’t the betrayal of the sovereignty of the Lord in our lives always a sin, regardless of the factors that drove us to betray Him? Yes! Yet we habitually defend ourselves and diminish our fault by referring to reasons why we “had to” do it. We sinners are so backward that we try to justify ourselves by some condition which preceded the sin.

To rationalize sin is to justify oneself, protecting and holding onto sin. But to see sin as God does is to repent in brokenness of heart, allowing His forgiveness to cleanse us.

The background for today’s reading is King David’s adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband, Uriah (see 2 Sam. 11–12). His eventual confession prompted by a confrontation with the prophet Nathan is recorded here.

Where did David begin in his confession? He began with God. His confession showed great faith in God’s character: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions” (v. 1). He trusted in God’s power to forgive sin--to blot it out and wash the sinner clean. Hyssop symbolized ritual cleansing under the Law (v. 7). The king’s confession also demonstrated spiritual brokenness. He understood how much he offended God; in fact, he couldn’t forget it. He grieved deeply over what he’d done--it was as though his bones had been crushed. He acknowledged the justice of God’s punishment, which is no light statement considering that the penalty of his sin was the death of his baby son (v. 4). He also acknowledged his general sinful condition (v. 5).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

 Psalm 52

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God. - Psalm 52:8

TODAY IN THE WORD

David was on the run from Saul. While fleeing, he stopped by the town of Nob to pick up supplies and guidance from Ahimelech the priest. Doeg the Edomite, Saul’s “head shepherd,” spotted David in the temple and reported Ahimelech’s apparent treason to Saul--who then called the priests of Nob and had Doeg put them to death. He killed 85 priests and decimated the entire town (1 Sam. 22:9-23). Psalm 52 is David’s outcry against Doeg’s action.

The content of Psalm 52 is all the more remarkable for its context. Spoken by David, the fleeing outlaw, to Doeg, the high court official of the current king, it reveals David’s unswerving faith in the God of Israel and his ability to see beyond the crisis of the present moment.

Verses 1–4 describe Doeg’s evil in terms of his speech. His tongue “plots destruction” and cuts the innocent like a “sharpened razor.” He delights in untruth and the “harmful word,” and boasts of his evil.

The consequence of his evil, spelled out in verses 5–7, is ultimate ruin. He will be torn from his tent by God, brought down, uprooted from the living--when he least expects it. His trust in wealth and his destruction of others will prove to be false strongholds (v. 7), and the righteous, confident in God’s power, will laugh at the unmasking of his weakness.

The final two verses assert that the only true stronghold is the Lord. The temporary “power” of the man who trusts in himself for his security contrasts with the eternal security of the man who trusts in the Lord’s unfailing love. David, though on the run, envisions himself as a securely rooted olive tree, “flourishing in the house of God” (v. 8). Olive trees live for hundreds of years! Even though David’s life seemed transient, he knew that God’s love for him provided security.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

 Psalm 55:1-8

Arise, cry out in the night...pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. - Lamentations 2:19

Devotional from Moody Bible Institute

 Psalm 62

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. - 2 Samuel 22:2-3a

TODAY IN THE WORD

Historian Roland Bainton writes that Martin Luther composed the well-known hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” during a time of deep depression. Yet, reflecting upon Psalm 46, Luther was moved to pen one of the most enduring proclamations of Christian confidence in the unshakable nature of God.

While Luther may have composed this hymn while in a medieval fortress, the psalmist probably had in mind a thick-walled, stone city, located high upon a hill. David, the author of Psalm 62, was well acquainted with such fortress cities. With first-hand knowledge of the protection that strong, high walls offered, he created a powerful image of the reality of God’s strength. But as secure as a stone fortress was, David knew that God alone was the true protection for his soul (v. 2).

Many times throughout his life, David faced powerful enemies who wanted him to fall (vv. 3-4). At such times, he turned to the only possible source of hope–God. Notice how many images David used in order to convey his confidence in God. God was his rock, his salvation, his fortress, and his refuge (vv. 6–7).

By describing God as a rock, David used another metaphor to describe God’s strength and solidity. Rocks in ancient Israel often provided hiding places, or refuge, in the harsh wilderness. We know that David was forced to flee to the desert more than once in his life. So, again drawing upon his own experience, David knew that the greatest possible refuge was none other that God Himself. No wonder he urged the people to “Trust in him at all times” (v. 8).

The rest of Psalm 62 offers a sobering picture of those who refuse to make God their fortress. Instead, these individuals trust in extortion or stolen goods (v. 10). But David knew that God, his refuge, justly rewarded righteous behavior and punished evil (v. 12).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Devotional from Moody Bible Institute

 Psalm 63, 2 Samuel 15:13-37

To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. - Psalm 3:4

TODAY IN THE WORD

William Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar, begins with Caesar’s return to Rome after winning a battle. The common people love him, but others are afraid he’ll seize power and do away with the Senate.

Senator Cassius, a longtime political opponent of Caesar’s, conspires to murder him. He recruits several others for his plot, including Brutus, Caesar’s friend. Brutus tells himself that he’s doing this for the good of the nation, that Caesar must be destroyed before his ambitions to become emperor are fulfilled.

The next day, the conspirators attack Caesar after a speech and stab him to death. As he’s dying, Caesar looks up and sees that his friend had conspired against him.

David, too, was betrayed by someone close to him--his son, Absalom.

Tipped off about Absolom’s rebellion, David left Jerusalem with those still faithful to him, including his bodyguards. David tried to release Ittai and others, but after all their battles together, they’d bonded with him and decided to share his fate (v. 21). The king also sent Hushai to spy on Absalom, arranged a courier system for messages, and prayed against Ahithophel’s counsel.

Second, David expressed grief. He wept, covered his head, and walked barefoot to demonstrate his extreme sorrow. He felt betrayed as both father and king. He was shocked that men such as Ahithophel had joined the rebellion. The people also wept as he left the city, showing that not everyone had joined Absalom.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Devotional from Moody Bible Institute

 Psalm 65:1-13

Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! - Psalm 65:4a

TODAY IN THE WORD

Studying the book of Romans before his conversion, Martin Luther felt unable to find peace with God: “My situation was that, although an impeccable monk, I stood before God as a sinner troubled in conscience, and I had no confidence that my merit would assuage Him.” At last he found the answer. “I grasped that the justice of God is that righteousness by which through grace and sheer mercy God justifies us through faith. Thereupon I felt myself to be reborn and to have gone through open doors into paradise. The whole of Scripture took on a new meaning, and whereas before the 'justice of God’ had filled me with hate, now it became to me inexpressibly sweet in greater love.”
In short, Luther had finally understood that God forgives! Salvation is not about “merit” but mercy. His feelings--of being reborn or of entering paradise--parallel the psalmist’s in today’s reading.

The first two verses frame this psalm of praise. Verses 5–8 describe God’s awesome power over nature and nations, and verses 9–13 conclude with images of God’s blessing. These references to fertility and abundance give people more reasons to worship, even as creation itself joins in.

Our focus is on verses 3–4. What’s the human condition? We’re overwhelmed by sin, unable to help ourselves. We’ve been defeated. What’s the solution? “You forgave our transgressions” or “You made atonement for our transgressions,” (v. 3, NIV). As we’ve seen throughout this month, God’s forgiving love comes to the rescue.

Since forgiveness is part of God’s nature, when He forgives, we experience His presence and rejoice in it. The psalmist used a metaphor of living in the Lord’s house (cf. Ps. 23:6; 84:1–4). To be forgiven means to be loved means to be chosen. We who have been chosen by God join His family. He’s personally present in our lives, filling them with good things. To be “filled” means to be sated or saturated, that is, fully satisfied.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

 Psalm 66:16-20; Isaiah 6:1-6

God is light: in him there is no darkness at all. - 1 John 1:5

TODAY IN THE WORD

"Father, cleanse me through Your Word. Let it search out and bring to light all that is of self and the flesh in my faith. Let it cut away every root of self-confidence, that the Vine may find me wholly free to receive His life and spirit. . . . Only You are my hope. Amen."–Andrew Murray, The True Vine

As we consider God in whom there is no darkness, we begin to understand why Isaiah reacted to God’s holiness with an overwhelming sense of his own sinfulness (Isa. 6:5). God’s moral perfection may make us wonder how He could ever hear our prayers, or even why He would want to.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Understanding God’s holiness should deepen our appreciation of the Holy Spirit whom the Father has sent in the name of His Son Jesus (John 14:26). The Spirit of Truth dwelling within us leads us into God’s truth and helps us to discern error and sin within and around us. The indwelling Spirit enables us to yearn for God’s holiness and to walk in His ways.

 Psalm 72:1-11

The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. - Luke 1:32-33

TODAY IN THE WORD

One historian says that Dwight L. Moody was the first major evangelist in North American history who was a premillennialist in his theology. Moody believed in a future, literal kingdom in which Jesus Christ would reign on earth as a fulfillment of God’s promise that Messiah would sit on David’s throne. Moody also believed that God’s judgment would precede the kingdom, and often said that God had given him a lifeboat to rescue people from the sinking ship of a world heading to judgment.

We mention Moody’s beliefs not only because they are relevant to our study, but also because today is the 163rd anniversary of his birth in Northfield, Massachusetts.

Moody served as an evangelist during America’s so-called Gilded Age, when confidence in science, industry, and America’s seemingly endless possibilities led some theologians to teach that the church could bring the kingdom to earth by its efforts. The idea was that Christian influence would grow to become so pervasive in society that the world would gradually improve and believers would usher in the kingdom age on earth. Christ would return at the end of this growth. This view was known as postmillennialism, which lost its popularity after World War I shattered the dream of mankind’s steady spiritual, moral, and scientific improvement.

This brief review of late-nineteenth-century theology gives us some historical perspective as we study Psalm 72 today and tomorrow. You cannot read this powerful description of the Messiah’s glorious kingdom reign without realizing that conditions like these have never existed on earth--and never will, as long as sinful human beings hold the seats of power.

In fact, if we look back on the twentieth century, we’ll see that the postmillennialists were hopelessly optimistic. Not even Solomon, to whom this psalm is credited, could claim to “endure as long as the sun” or “rule from sea to sea” (vv. 5, 8). This earth will have its golden age, but only when Christ returns to judge sin and establish righteousness.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Dwight Moody liked to say the only monuments he wanted to leave behind were the kind on two legs--men and women who were trained and were busy serving the Lord.

 Psalm 72:12-20

Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. - Psalm 72:18

TODAY IN THE WORD

In 1825 a wealthy Scottish industrialist and social reformer named Robert Owen purchased the small town of Harmony, Indiana, which had been home to a religious group from Germany called the Harmonists. Owen renamed the town New Harmony and attracted settlers with the promise of a utopian society. New Harmony became a famous experiment in community living as scientists and scholars came to study the movement. But the people eventually split into several factions, and by 1827 Owen’s dream of an ideal society was gone.

At its demise New Harmony joined a long line of failed dreams and experiments by idealistic people who thought they could create their own small slice of the kingdom on earth. Many of these people looked at the world around them and reasoned that the only way values such as peace, justice, harmony, and shared wealth would ever prevail would be in self-contained communities.

The human race has been dreaming of utopia since the days of Plato and his Republic. But an ideal world requires a ruler who is perfect in wisdom, righteousness, justice, and mercy.

Only one person meets these qualifications--God’s sinless Son, Jesus, who has been made “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). The second half of Psalm 72 continues the exciting description of the justice, mercy, and prosperity that will prevail on earth when Christ takes His seat on David’s throne. It will be a kingdom of universal righteousness and blessing, and it’s in our future!

You probably have noticed by now that the Old Testament writers often focused on, and celebrated, Messiah’s future reign as universal King.

But the idea of a suffering and crucified Christ, rejected by Israel and hanging in shame on a Roman cross, was a concept many devout followers of Christ simply could not grasp. Even Jesus’ disciples refused to believe His predictions of His impending death in Jerusalem. And after His resurrection, Jesus had to explain to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus that it was “necessary” for the Christ to suffer (Luke 24:26).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Even though we know there are no perfect people or situations in the world, sometimes we can begin to expect perfection from ourselves and others.

Devotional from Moody Bible Institute

 Psalm 79

Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. - Psalm 31:9

TODAY IN THE WORD

Washington Irving observed the following about tears: “There is sacredness in tears. . . . They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.”

The author of today’s psalm would have agreed. His “overwhelming grief” is obvious in this lament psalm poetically grieving the destruction of Jerusalem (vv. 1–4). Speaking for the nation, the psalm petitions the Lord God to remember His people and to avenge their enemies (vv. 5–7)--a plea based on God’s mercy and forgiveness (v. 8). The honor of God’s holy name motivates further appeals for divine action (vv. 9–12). Finally, the people collectively vow to praise God (v. 13).

Psalm 79 provides a good introduction to Lamentations, which comprises five lament poems. The Hebrew name of this book is “Alas!”--a heart-rending indication of the consequences of Judah’s sin. Second Kings 24–25 and Jeremiah 52 give the facts of the siege and exile of Jerusalem; Lamentations gives the emotions.

Tradition says that Jeremiah wrote these five poems in a cave west of Jerusalem while Nebuchadnezzar marched the people into exile. These poems are acrostic, meaning each line (or group of lines in chapter 3) of the poem begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This creative feature probably intended to stress the complete--or A to Z--nature of the nation’s sin and to set boundaries on the nation’s grieving.

The first four chapters of Lamentations portray Jerusalem from different voices: a princess forced into harsh labor with no comfort (chapter 1); the object of God’s wrath (chapter 2); the solitary cry of an individual (chapter 3); and the former treasures of the city (chapter 4). In chapter 5, the exiles cry out.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

 Psalm 84:11; Malachi 4:2

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:24-25

TODAY IN THE WORD

When was the last time you watched a sunrise? Perhaps you’ve slept in too often, and can’t remember.

If you’ve been up, perhaps you’ve been busy or stuck in traffic, and not taken the time to enjoy this daily drama of nature. Perhaps because sunrise is so frequent, you’ve been taking it for granted. Yet no two sunrises are exactly the same–our Creator makes a new masterpiece each and every morning!

Today’s verses use the sun as a metaphor for God. Notice there is no confusion between the sun and God, as in the case of the pagan nations which surrounded Israel. The sun is a created object, and only the Creator is worthy of worship.

In that case, what attributes of God do the Jewish writers want to highlight by comparing Him to the sun? One answer is His righteousness and glory (Mal. 4:2). For those who revere the Lord, a new day is coming. Like the sun rising, God will appear on the horizon of our wicked world, dispelling the darkness and bringing the fire of judgment to evildoers and granting healing and redemption to His worshipers (v. 1).

In exactly this way, the first coming of Christ was like a sunrise: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Isa. 9:2; cf. Luke 1:76--79). When the day of the Lord is full, there will in fact be no more need for the sun–“the Lord will be [our] everlasting light” (Isa. 60:19-20).

A second meaning of this sun metaphor spotlights God’s blessing or favor (Ps. 84:11). That’s why the standard priestly blessing included the phrase, “the Lord make His face shine upon you” (Num. 6:25). As with the first meaning, this happy result is only for those who are living righteously, “those whose walk is blameless.”

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

  Psalm 86; 2 Kings 20:1-7

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. - Psalm 147:3

TODAY IN THE WORD

In the strong name of Jesus Christ I stand against the world, the flesh, and the devil. . . . I reject the distorted concepts and ideas that make sin pl