1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher. 9 That which has been is what which will be, and that which has been don is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun. 17 I set my mind to know wisdom and to know madness and folly; I realized that this also is striving after the wind. 18 Because in much wisdom there is much grief and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain. 13 And I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. 15 Then I said to myself, "As is the fate of the fool, it will also befall me. Whey then have I been extremely wise?"So I said to myself, This too is vanity."
Solomon, who is the Preacher is making certain observations. The two main distinctions that will come to bear is that our temporal life is just that. It is only temporary. In the final analysis, our eternal life will make our temporal life seem as only a day! So the driving question is, why should we strive after things that cannot last? He concludes that life this side of heaven is futile.
The second distinction is that he compares wisdom and knowledge in this life verses the wisdom and knowledge of God. He concludes that our own human wisdom is a farce and one would do better to purge this kind of knowledge for reliance on God alone, since he hold all the cards to our life now and our life to come.
Daily Prayer: Father, it is true that our life now is but a preview of things to come. It seems that faith and not knowledge will be most pleasing to you. By faith I am saved by grace. This is a gift from you and now of man so that I may not boast, except in the cross of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Psalm 31: The words of Lemuel
These are the words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him. Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which destroys kings. It is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink. Give strong drink to the one who is perishing and whose life is bitter. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy. An excellent wife is worth far above jewels, and the heart of her husband trusts her. She does good to him and not evil, all the days of her life. She rises while it is still night and gives food to her household. She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. She extends her hand to the poor, and stretches out her hands to the needy. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Several teachings are found in this poem. It identifies the two foundational women in the life of a man. The first is his mother who warns against adulterous women and strong drink. She exhorts her son to sober judgment and defense of the needy. The second foundational woman is the bountiful wife. She is known for her self-sacrifice and one-way love. She does not waste household treasure, but instead reinvests it bringing her husband more than he brought into the family treasury. She joins her husband in defending the poor and gains approval of everyone by careful selection of her words and works of kindness.
Daily Prayer: My Father, I thank you that you gave me the woman in this proverb. My wife and lifetime companion can be trusted in all matters and seeks first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. As a result, all the things that we need have been added unto us. Bless her Father and comfort her in all of life's situations. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Several teachings are found in this poem. It identifies the two foundational women in the life of a man. The first is his mother who warns against adulterous women and strong drink. She exhorts her son to sober judgment and defense of the needy. The second foundational woman is the bountiful wife. She is known for her self-sacrifice and one-way love. She does not waste household treasure, but instead reinvests it bringing her husband more than he brought into the family treasury. She joins her husband in defending the poor and gains approval of everyone by careful selection of her words and works of kindness.
Daily Prayer: My Father, I thank you that you gave me the woman in this proverb. My wife and lifetime companion can be trusted in all matters and seeks first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. As a result, all the things that we need have been added unto us. Bless her Father and comfort her in all of life's situations. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Psalm 30: The words of Agur
I do not have the understanding of man. Neither have I learned wisdom. Every word of God is tested; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. There is a kind - oh how lofty are his eyes!
And his eyelids are raised in arrogance. There are three things which are too wonderful for me, and four which I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky; the way of a serpent on a rock; the way of a ship in the middle of the sea ; the way of a man with a maid. Under three things the earth quakes, and under four, it cannot bear up. Under a slave when he becomes king and a fool when he is satisfied with food. Under an unloved woman when she gets a husband, and a maidservant when she supplants her mistress. Four things are small on earth, but they are exceedingly wise. The ants are not a strong people, but they prepare their food in the summer. The shephanim are not mighty people, yet they make their houses in rocks. The locusts have no king, yet all of them go out in ranks. The lizard you may grasp with the hands, yet it is in kings' palaces.
Agur is a compiler of proverbs who lived between Judah and Babylonia. His works falls in the tradition of wisdom found in Isaiah 40. In his message, he is comparing the understanding of man verses the rest of God's created creatures. He observes that the creatures live their lives with remarkable understanding. Even without a king, they all go out in ranks. Yet God's representative on earth who is man admits that he does not understand. He concludes that because God's word has been tested and is true, we should take refuge in him and allow for him to be our shield and comforter.
Daily Prayer: Father, truly your word is wonderful and true. Natural man seeks to be the king of his own kingdom resulting in haughty eyes and pride. For this Lucifer was removed from your heavenly kingdom. Instead, let me not lean unto my own understanding, but instead take refuge in you. Amen.
And his eyelids are raised in arrogance. There are three things which are too wonderful for me, and four which I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky; the way of a serpent on a rock; the way of a ship in the middle of the sea ; the way of a man with a maid. Under three things the earth quakes, and under four, it cannot bear up. Under a slave when he becomes king and a fool when he is satisfied with food. Under an unloved woman when she gets a husband, and a maidservant when she supplants her mistress. Four things are small on earth, but they are exceedingly wise. The ants are not a strong people, but they prepare their food in the summer. The shephanim are not mighty people, yet they make their houses in rocks. The locusts have no king, yet all of them go out in ranks. The lizard you may grasp with the hands, yet it is in kings' palaces.
Agur is a compiler of proverbs who lived between Judah and Babylonia. His works falls in the tradition of wisdom found in Isaiah 40. In his message, he is comparing the understanding of man verses the rest of God's created creatures. He observes that the creatures live their lives with remarkable understanding. Even without a king, they all go out in ranks. Yet God's representative on earth who is man admits that he does not understand. He concludes that because God's word has been tested and is true, we should take refuge in him and allow for him to be our shield and comforter.
Daily Prayer: Father, truly your word is wonderful and true. Natural man seeks to be the king of his own kingdom resulting in haughty eyes and pride. For this Lucifer was removed from your heavenly kingdom. Instead, let me not lean unto my own understanding, but instead take refuge in you. Amen.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Proverbs 25: benefits of humility
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings to search out a matter. Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men. It is better that it be said to you, "Come up here," than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince. Like apples of gold in setting of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone. Like a city that is without walls is broken into so is a man who has no control over his spirit.
This message speaks of man's relationship which is vertical (to the king), horizontal (to his neighbor), and in his own house (to himself and his family). The author exhorts to the reader the benefits of not placing yourself into a place of public notice. He also speaks of the great importance of the words we choose, because our words are a reflection of our own heart. These are the words chosen by King Hezekiah and transcribed for the benefit of his kingdom. These verses are also used by Jesus in the New Testament, especially speaking of not putting yourself up front because someone will surly lower your position publically. It also speaks of control over your circumstances, your community, and even over your own spirit.
Daily Prayer: Lord, teach me to live my life skillfully and choose my words carefully. As a man thinkith, so is he. As such, let me take every though captive to Jesus Christ so that I can be an image of my savior where I live. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
This message speaks of man's relationship which is vertical (to the king), horizontal (to his neighbor), and in his own house (to himself and his family). The author exhorts to the reader the benefits of not placing yourself into a place of public notice. He also speaks of the great importance of the words we choose, because our words are a reflection of our own heart. These are the words chosen by King Hezekiah and transcribed for the benefit of his kingdom. These verses are also used by Jesus in the New Testament, especially speaking of not putting yourself up front because someone will surly lower your position publically. It also speaks of control over your circumstances, your community, and even over your own spirit.
Daily Prayer: Lord, teach me to live my life skillfully and choose my words carefully. As a man thinkith, so is he. As such, let me take every though captive to Jesus Christ so that I can be an image of my savior where I live. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Proverbs 24: precepts and warnings
Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them. Their minds devise violence and their lips talk of trouble. One who plans to do evil men will call a schemer. The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men. Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles. The Lord will see it and be displeased, and turn his anger away from him. Do not say, "Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work." I passed by the field of a sluggard, and the vineyard of the man lacking sense. Behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; its surface was covered with nettles. "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest." Then your poverty will come as a robber, and you want like an armored man.
In these passages we are told not to even associate with those who are evil. We are not to compare our work or our wages to theirs, but instead to our work as to the Lord. For one who resists wisdom and sound instruction will bring his own ruin and judgment. The Lord reserves the right to reward the just and bring judgment against evil. He who is wise neither exalts himself nor condemns the unjust. Those with instruction and understanding fear the Lord and exalt his ways as superior to his own and to the ways of the schemers. Finally, we are taught to put our hand to the plow and spend our time abundantly, because this pleases the Lord.
Daily Prayer: By your spirit, direct my path. Let me not frustrate the work of the Holy Spirit, but instead follow his guidance in my life knowing that his ways are higher than my ways, and his thoughts higher than my thoughts. This I pray in Jesus name Amen.
In these passages we are told not to even associate with those who are evil. We are not to compare our work or our wages to theirs, but instead to our work as to the Lord. For one who resists wisdom and sound instruction will bring his own ruin and judgment. The Lord reserves the right to reward the just and bring judgment against evil. He who is wise neither exalts himself nor condemns the unjust. Those with instruction and understanding fear the Lord and exalt his ways as superior to his own and to the ways of the schemers. Finally, we are taught to put our hand to the plow and spend our time abundantly, because this pleases the Lord.
Daily Prayer: By your spirit, direct my path. Let me not frustrate the work of the Holy Spirit, but instead follow his guidance in my life knowing that his ways are higher than my ways, and his thoughts higher than my thoughts. This I pray in Jesus name Amen.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Proverbs 19: On life and conduct
Wealth adds many friends. A poor man is separated from his friend. Better is a poor man who walks with integrity than he who is perverse and a fool. A man's discretion makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook a transgression. A foolish son is destruction to his father. The contentions of a wife are a constant dripping. Many plans are in a man's heart. It is the counsel of the Lord that will stand. A rascally witness makes mockery of justice. The mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scoffers. Blows for the back are prepared for fools.
Proverbs is a book that speaks of relationships. There is the relationship of a man to a friend. A true friend does not care about your gifts, but to the false friend without gifts there is no friendship. There is a relationship with a man to his community. Wisdom dictates that one should be slow to anger and eager to forgive and forget. A relationship of a son to his father is based on conduct. A son's conduct either exhalts his father or makes a mockery of him. A wife can either be a gift from God to a man or the source of constant irritation. Truthfulness is the keynote of the wise, but scoffers purge justice.
Daily Prayer: Lord my relationship to you governs my relationships in the world. Once you and I are true to each other, truthfulness and justice and mercy will flow from this relationship into the world. Counsel me, my Lord, and make my paths straight. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Proverbs is a book that speaks of relationships. There is the relationship of a man to a friend. A true friend does not care about your gifts, but to the false friend without gifts there is no friendship. There is a relationship with a man to his community. Wisdom dictates that one should be slow to anger and eager to forgive and forget. A relationship of a son to his father is based on conduct. A son's conduct either exhalts his father or makes a mockery of him. A wife can either be a gift from God to a man or the source of constant irritation. Truthfulness is the keynote of the wise, but scoffers purge justice.
Daily Prayer: Lord my relationship to you governs my relationships in the world. Once you and I are true to each other, truthfulness and justice and mercy will flow from this relationship into the world. Counsel me, my Lord, and make my paths straight. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Proverb 13: Contrasting the upright and the wicked
A wise son accepts his father's discipline. The scoffer does not listen to rebuke. A righteous man hates falsehood. The wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully. There is one who pretends to be rich.There are others who pretend to be poor, but have great wealth. Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles. The one who gathers by labor increases his purse. He who walks with wise men will be wise. Those who are companions of fools will suffer harm. The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite. The stomach of the wicked is in need.
This proverb teaches us that a father's discipline is required to train up a son. If you love your son, you will bring discipline. The son that is not disciplines does not have the love of the father.
Falsehood will always lead to demise. It is good and proper to hate falsehood. Fraud is a camouflage. It leads to false wealth, a false bride, and an empty future. He who prospers by fraud put his wealth in pockets with holes in them. You are the same as the company you keep.
Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. You cannot plant falsehood and reap righteousness.
And the Lord has promised that whoever belongs to him, he himself will establish them and feed and comfort them. Whatever is worth having come from the Lord's hand.
Daily Prayer: Father, into your hands I commit my soul. Apart from you, I can do nothing.
Any opportunity, any person who dwells with me, and any shelter I enjoy is from you and you alone. I confess that I stumble, but your discipline makes straight my ways. Father, you have been good to me and not me alone, but to all who believe in you. Amen.
This proverb teaches us that a father's discipline is required to train up a son. If you love your son, you will bring discipline. The son that is not disciplines does not have the love of the father.
Falsehood will always lead to demise. It is good and proper to hate falsehood. Fraud is a camouflage. It leads to false wealth, a false bride, and an empty future. He who prospers by fraud put his wealth in pockets with holes in them. You are the same as the company you keep.
Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. You cannot plant falsehood and reap righteousness.
And the Lord has promised that whoever belongs to him, he himself will establish them and feed and comfort them. Whatever is worth having come from the Lord's hand.
Daily Prayer: Father, into your hands I commit my soul. Apart from you, I can do nothing.
Any opportunity, any person who dwells with me, and any shelter I enjoy is from you and you alone. I confess that I stumble, but your discipline makes straight my ways. Father, you have been good to me and not me alone, but to all who believe in you. Amen.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Proverbs 5: Pitfalls of immorality
My son, give attention to my wisdom and incline your ear to my understanding. The lips of an adulteress drip honey and smoother than oil is her speech. But in the end she is bitter as wormwood. Do not depart from the words of my mouth. Keep your way far from her and do not go near the door of her house. Let your fountain be blessed and rejoice in the wife of your youth. The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord. He watches all his paths.
There are three parts to this proverb and are held together with the repetition of the father exhorting to revere his instruction.
Part One: Father warns that the enticing adulteress will come! She will come in disguise by making the young prey feel good about her and him. She is depending on the drives of the flesh to overcome the instruction of the father. If she wins, she brings her prey into Sheol!
Part Two: Again the father repeats that his son should not depart from his instruction. He wants is son to understand that a night in the house of a harlot will result in giving up his first strength to another and giving his hard earned goods to an alien.
Part Three: This describes the rewards of discreton. Since God's eyes are always on the path of men, by obedience, his fountain will be blessed and he will enjoy and rejoice in the wife of his youth.
Daily Prayer: Father, you have always made a provision for the needs I have. You chose to create man both male and female so that they can complement each other and meet each other's physical needs. You also give a partner to those who seek one from you. Thank you for the wife you have given me because her ways are bountiful and her heart is faithful. In your holy name I pray Amen.
There are three parts to this proverb and are held together with the repetition of the father exhorting to revere his instruction.
Part One: Father warns that the enticing adulteress will come! She will come in disguise by making the young prey feel good about her and him. She is depending on the drives of the flesh to overcome the instruction of the father. If she wins, she brings her prey into Sheol!
Part Two: Again the father repeats that his son should not depart from his instruction. He wants is son to understand that a night in the house of a harlot will result in giving up his first strength to another and giving his hard earned goods to an alien.
Part Three: This describes the rewards of discreton. Since God's eyes are always on the path of men, by obedience, his fountain will be blessed and he will enjoy and rejoice in the wife of his youth.
Daily Prayer: Father, you have always made a provision for the needs I have. You chose to create man both male and female so that they can complement each other and meet each other's physical needs. You also give a partner to those who seek one from you. Thank you for the wife you have given me because her ways are bountiful and her heart is faithful. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Proverbs 3: The rewards of wisdom
3 Do not let kindness and truths leave you; Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 You will find favor and good repute. 13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth. And by understanding he established the heavens. 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 32 The devious are an abomination to the Lord; but he is intimate with the upright.
Proverb three has four parts:
Part 1: A man's reputation in his community:
The author is stating that the kindness and other minded behavior of his son or daughter will make this person one who is with a good reputation and will be considered trustworthy. This, too, is grounded in the fear of the Lord, because the Lord will establish those who imitate him, but will not reward those who have their own idea of wisdom.
Part 2: Wisdom increases happiness and longevity of life:
He the author has a literary inclusio: One who finds wisdom is blessed. And this is like the tree of life to those who find her (as compared to the Garden of Eden).
Part 3: The wisdom of God is demonstrated:
The author states the creation of the heaven and earth is based on God's wisdom which he patterns for man.
Part 4: The author exhorts the wise man to act mercifully and generously to his neighbor. This is based on the fact that man's love should be both vertical & horizontal.
Daily Prayer: Father, inspire me to embrace wisdom. Wisdom is based on faith in you that you will do for me what I am willing to do for another. Let this be my pattern and my reputation. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Proverb three has four parts:
Part 1: A man's reputation in his community:
The author is stating that the kindness and other minded behavior of his son or daughter will make this person one who is with a good reputation and will be considered trustworthy. This, too, is grounded in the fear of the Lord, because the Lord will establish those who imitate him, but will not reward those who have their own idea of wisdom.
Part 2: Wisdom increases happiness and longevity of life:
He the author has a literary inclusio: One who finds wisdom is blessed. And this is like the tree of life to those who find her (as compared to the Garden of Eden).
Part 3: The wisdom of God is demonstrated:
The author states the creation of the heaven and earth is based on God's wisdom which he patterns for man.
Part 4: The author exhorts the wise man to act mercifully and generously to his neighbor. This is based on the fact that man's love should be both vertical & horizontal.
Daily Prayer: Father, inspire me to embrace wisdom. Wisdom is based on faith in you that you will do for me what I am willing to do for another. Let this be my pattern and my reputation. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Proverbs 2: How to be seen as "blameless" in a fallen world
4 If you seek wisdom as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. 9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course. To deliver you from the strange woman, from the adulteress who flatters with her words. 18 Her house sinks down to death and her tracks lead to the dead. 19 None who go to her return again. 21 For the upright will live in the land and the blameless will remain in it.
How wisdom is acquired:
The Bible teaches us that we must seek it. If we seek wisdom, God is generous and just to give it to you, but you must seek his ways and not the ways of the world.
What spiritual blessing is imparted by God?:
This gift of discernment is given to the child of God. They will not play the fool, because they can detect the spirit of the world who is now under the schemes of the Devil and the Spirit of God who is in you.
Who presents the greatest cause of failure to mankind?:
The adulterous woman is the greatest stumbling block to man. She comes to entice and to flatter our gullible pride and exalts us higher than the Lord our God. None who follow this course return. You see it all the time in the news, and surely none have returned.
What is the consolation?
You will be seen by God and by man as blameless.
Daily Prayer: Father, grant me the desire to be one who seeks after wisdom and discernment.
Wisdom does not me sinless, but is does make me sin less. In this way, I am doing what is pleasing in your sight and not playing the role of the fool. In your name I pray Amen.
How wisdom is acquired:
The Bible teaches us that we must seek it. If we seek wisdom, God is generous and just to give it to you, but you must seek his ways and not the ways of the world.
What spiritual blessing is imparted by God?:
This gift of discernment is given to the child of God. They will not play the fool, because they can detect the spirit of the world who is now under the schemes of the Devil and the Spirit of God who is in you.
Who presents the greatest cause of failure to mankind?:
The adulterous woman is the greatest stumbling block to man. She comes to entice and to flatter our gullible pride and exalts us higher than the Lord our God. None who follow this course return. You see it all the time in the news, and surely none have returned.
What is the consolation?
You will be seen by God and by man as blameless.
Daily Prayer: Father, grant me the desire to be one who seeks after wisdom and discernment.
Wisdom does not me sinless, but is does make me sin less. In this way, I am doing what is pleasing in your sight and not playing the role of the fool. In your name I pray Amen.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Proverbs 1: A father's counsel to his children (proverb of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel)
The purpose of wisdom:
5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning. A man of understanding will acquire wise counsel. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledege.
The enticement of sinners:
10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path.
Wisdom gives a warning:
20 Wisdom shouts in the street, and lifts her voice in the square. 33 He who listed to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.
This proverb from Solomon to his son has three parts. Part one gives the core meaning which is that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom's counterpart is the fool who despises instruction and prefers to lean unto his own understanding. Part two gives notice that sinners will come to entice the naive. The imperative is not to consent to their schemes. The harm they intend will surely come upon their own head. They ambush their very lives.
Part three is the warning of wisdom. Here wisdom is personified as a mother calling to her son as he crosses the town squire on his way to error. The imperative is to turn to the reproof of their parents as they will pour out their spirit of love and understanding if you take their advice to heart. The enemies will never help you in times of trouble, but to the ones who listen and hear advice, hey will gain the knowledge of God and live safely and peacefully with no dread of evil.
Daily Prayer: Father, you have given me your word so that I may live out my life skillfully. It is not necessary to go through the school of hard knocks when you have a father. And when your Father who is in heaven speaks all of heaven and earth will obey. I pray this in your holy name Amen.
5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning. A man of understanding will acquire wise counsel. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledege.
The enticement of sinners:
10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 15 My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path.
Wisdom gives a warning:
20 Wisdom shouts in the street, and lifts her voice in the square. 33 He who listed to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.
This proverb from Solomon to his son has three parts. Part one gives the core meaning which is that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom's counterpart is the fool who despises instruction and prefers to lean unto his own understanding. Part two gives notice that sinners will come to entice the naive. The imperative is not to consent to their schemes. The harm they intend will surely come upon their own head. They ambush their very lives.
Part three is the warning of wisdom. Here wisdom is personified as a mother calling to her son as he crosses the town squire on his way to error. The imperative is to turn to the reproof of their parents as they will pour out their spirit of love and understanding if you take their advice to heart. The enemies will never help you in times of trouble, but to the ones who listen and hear advice, hey will gain the knowledge of God and live safely and peacefully with no dread of evil.
Daily Prayer: Father, you have given me your word so that I may live out my life skillfully. It is not necessary to go through the school of hard knocks when you have a father. And when your Father who is in heaven speaks all of heaven and earth will obey. I pray this in your holy name Amen.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Psalm 150 Praise the Lord! (Taken from experience in 2 Sam. 6)
1 Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty expanse. 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with harp and lyre. 4 Praise him with timbrel and dancing; praise him with stringed instruments and pipe. 5 Praise him with loud cymbals; praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
This is the closing poem in the Psalter. It is a declarative praise psalm. The psalm is a reflection of the events of 2 Samuel 6 when David brought the Ark of the Covenant into the temple. Many of the psalms have their origin in events recorded in the Old Testament. As you read through the book, try and seek out those psalms that point to specific events in history. This psalm has several interesting literary features. It begins and ends with, "Praise the Lord!" This forms an inclusio where the contents of the poem will support its beginning and ending. Each of the verses has a double praise. It will begin with a praise and follow again with another praise and will go to the next verse with this same pattern. Verses 1 - 5 all begin with "praise." This is the figure of speech known as repetition. The superscript does not reveal who the author is, but its content is from the kingship of David.
Daily Prayer: Father it is good and right to always give you praise! When I discover that all things come from your hand it is easy to give praise. It is hard to understand how every small event in my life is important to you. I am finite and you are infinite. I have been created and you are my creator and that's why I offer my praise. Amen and Amen.
This is the closing poem in the Psalter. It is a declarative praise psalm. The psalm is a reflection of the events of 2 Samuel 6 when David brought the Ark of the Covenant into the temple. Many of the psalms have their origin in events recorded in the Old Testament. As you read through the book, try and seek out those psalms that point to specific events in history. This psalm has several interesting literary features. It begins and ends with, "Praise the Lord!" This forms an inclusio where the contents of the poem will support its beginning and ending. Each of the verses has a double praise. It will begin with a praise and follow again with another praise and will go to the next verse with this same pattern. Verses 1 - 5 all begin with "praise." This is the figure of speech known as repetition. The superscript does not reveal who the author is, but its content is from the kingship of David.
Daily Prayer: Father it is good and right to always give you praise! When I discover that all things come from your hand it is easy to give praise. It is hard to understand how every small event in my life is important to you. I am finite and you are infinite. I have been created and you are my creator and that's why I offer my praise. Amen and Amen.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Psalm 110 David pays homage & God gives rule to the True King (A prophetic oracle)
1 The Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." 2 The Lord will stretch forth your strong scepter from Zion saying, "Rule in the midst of your enemies." 3 Your people will volunteer freely in the day of your power; in holy array, from the womb of the dawn, your youth are to you as the dew. 4 The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." 5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings in the day of his wrath. 6 He will judge among the nations, he will fill them with corpses, he will shatter the chief men over a broad country. 7 He will drink from the brook by the wayside; therefore he will lift up his head.
In vs. 1, David says in his spirit the Lord (God the Father, says to my Lord, God the Son) sit at my right hand. Because of God's covenant with David, the Redeemer of Israel will come from his blood line. Here also, God establishes Christ as a king-priest. All of the kings before this did not fulfill both offices. And his priestly line is not from Levi, but from Melchizedek, the priest in heaven. God promises to defend the Son and make his enemies subject to him. The Father will bring forth his wrath to the nations who oppose the True King. Here it is a reference to Jesus Christ's second advent.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I await your return which is my blessed hope. In that day, I and others who have been saved by your blood will join you in your rule for the reward that has been set aside for me and others, since before there was time. Come Lord Jesus! Amen.
In vs. 1, David says in his spirit the Lord (God the Father, says to my Lord, God the Son) sit at my right hand. Because of God's covenant with David, the Redeemer of Israel will come from his blood line. Here also, God establishes Christ as a king-priest. All of the kings before this did not fulfill both offices. And his priestly line is not from Levi, but from Melchizedek, the priest in heaven. God promises to defend the Son and make his enemies subject to him. The Father will bring forth his wrath to the nations who oppose the True King. Here it is a reference to Jesus Christ's second advent.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I await your return which is my blessed hope. In that day, I and others who have been saved by your blood will join you in your rule for the reward that has been set aside for me and others, since before there was time. Come Lord Jesus! Amen.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Psalm 90 (vs 1-4 & 10-12) - a prayer of Moses
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were born or you gave birth to the earth and the world - Even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
3 You turn man back into dust and say, "Return, O children of men." 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it passes by. 10 As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years. 11 Who understands the power of your anger, and your fury according to the fear that is due you? 12 So teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom.
This is the only psalm attributed to Moses. The psalmist begins by reminding God of how he has always protected his people, and by expressing has awe at the eternity of God. Then by contrast, he laments on the brevity of man's life. He makes his first entreaty - to be taught wisdom. The wisdom to be found regards the eternity of God and the frailty of human life which is the key to understanding God's ways of working with his people.
Daily Prayer: Lord, the natural man does not fear you, because they do not know you. As for myself, I need to have a greater fear for you than what I possess. My very life is dependent on the work of your hands and my everlasting life is dependent on your grace. Let me not take grace for granted. Instead with a healthy dose of fear, revere you for who you are. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
3 You turn man back into dust and say, "Return, O children of men." 4 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it passes by. 10 As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years. 11 Who understands the power of your anger, and your fury according to the fear that is due you? 12 So teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom.
This is the only psalm attributed to Moses. The psalmist begins by reminding God of how he has always protected his people, and by expressing has awe at the eternity of God. Then by contrast, he laments on the brevity of man's life. He makes his first entreaty - to be taught wisdom. The wisdom to be found regards the eternity of God and the frailty of human life which is the key to understanding God's ways of working with his people.
Daily Prayer: Lord, the natural man does not fear you, because they do not know you. As for myself, I need to have a greater fear for you than what I possess. My very life is dependent on the work of your hands and my everlasting life is dependent on your grace. Let me not take grace for granted. Instead with a healthy dose of fear, revere you for who you are. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Psalm 87: The privileges of citizenship in Zion (A psalm of the sons of Korah)
1 His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwelling places of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God [Selah]. 4 "I shall mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know me; behold, Philistia and Tyre with Ethiopia: 'This one was born there.'" 5 But of Zion it shall be said "This one and that one were born in her"; And the Most High himself will establish her. 6 The Lord will count when he registers the peoples, "This one was born there." [Selah]. 7 Then those who play the flutes shall say, "All my springs of joy are in you."
Not all people who know the Living God will be saved by him. Especially in the Old Covenant, God worked many signs and wonders leaving no doubt who was the God of Jacob (Israel). Rahab (Egypt), Philistia and Tyre were among the witnesses to God's glory, but with the exception of the remnant (Christians from these places) the Lord will not choose them as his people. But those who travel to the City of the Most High will by the Most High be saved and called his people (Jews and Gentiles alike). No foreigner who comes to Jerusalem will leave without salvation.
Daily Prayer: Holy Father, you know the beginning from the end. You know who will come to you and who will choose other gods. If there is anyone under the sound of my voice who has an unsaved loved one, ignite them to bring them to you so that you may establish them so that they receive Jesus and become as your own. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Not all people who know the Living God will be saved by him. Especially in the Old Covenant, God worked many signs and wonders leaving no doubt who was the God of Jacob (Israel). Rahab (Egypt), Philistia and Tyre were among the witnesses to God's glory, but with the exception of the remnant (Christians from these places) the Lord will not choose them as his people. But those who travel to the City of the Most High will by the Most High be saved and called his people (Jews and Gentiles alike). No foreigner who comes to Jerusalem will leave without salvation.
Daily Prayer: Holy Father, you know the beginning from the end. You know who will come to you and who will choose other gods. If there is anyone under the sound of my voice who has an unsaved loved one, ignite them to bring them to you so that you may establish them so that they receive Jesus and become as your own. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Psalm 72: 1, 7-8, 17-20 David blesses his son & his Greater Son (Royal & indirectly Messianic)
1 Give the king your judgments, O God, and your righteousness to the king's son. 7 In his days may the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace till the moon is no more. 8 May he also rule from sea so sea and from the river to the ends of the earth. 17 Let his name endure forever; may his name increase as long as the sun shines; and let men bless themselves by him; let all nations call him blessed. 18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders. 19 And blessed he his glorious name forever; and may the wole earth be filled with his glory. 20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
In the Psalter, there are 150 psalms of which David authored 73 of them. This composition is his final psalm as he was nearing the end of his days. In it, he blesses his son Solomon who will reign after him, but these same blessing will not come into their fullness until the second advent of Jesus Christ, David's Greater Son according to God's covenant with him. David also blesses the Lord. Sometimes we may not understand that we can bless God just as we seek his blessing. One of the ways we can bless the Lord is through obedience where we show to him that we are his true son or daughter.
Daily Prayer: Father I do bless you for who you are and what you do. I have become a son of God by the righteousness of Jesus Christ and like David look forward to a day when I will dwell in your house forever. In your name I pray Amen.
In the Psalter, there are 150 psalms of which David authored 73 of them. This composition is his final psalm as he was nearing the end of his days. In it, he blesses his son Solomon who will reign after him, but these same blessing will not come into their fullness until the second advent of Jesus Christ, David's Greater Son according to God's covenant with him. David also blesses the Lord. Sometimes we may not understand that we can bless God just as we seek his blessing. One of the ways we can bless the Lord is through obedience where we show to him that we are his true son or daughter.
Daily Prayer: Father I do bless you for who you are and what you do. I have become a son of God by the righteousness of Jesus Christ and like David look forward to a day when I will dwell in your house forever. In your name I pray Amen.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Psalm 22: 1-8 David echoes Christ's words from the cross (prophetic & messianic)
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer. 3 Yet you are holy O you who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. 4 In you our fathers trusted; they trusted and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried out and were delivered; in you they trusted and were not disappointed. 6 But I am a worm and not a man, a reproach of men and despised by the people. 7 All who see me sneer at me; they wag the head, saying "Commit yourself to the Lord, let him deliver him; let him rescue him, because he delights in him."
The opening words of these verses were cried out by Jesus on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Before this, Jesus had never called his Father "God." It was when he was bearing the sins of the world on his account that he became isolated from the Father and Jesus in his innocence calls him God. But Jesus is the Son of God but on the cross, God turns his back on the Son and allows him to endure by himself the sins of the world. Jesus was the Passover Lamb. It was at the cross that the thief to his left along with the crowd said that if he is the Son of God, have God deliver him. But as the sin bearer, he had to die so that many others could live.
Daily Prayer: Holy Jesus, you took my sins too on the cross at Calvary. Thank you for being the True Son who obeys the will of God, even to the extent of suffering and dying on the Cross. Let me do my part in bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ into a fallen World. In your holy name I pray Amen.
The opening words of these verses were cried out by Jesus on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Before this, Jesus had never called his Father "God." It was when he was bearing the sins of the world on his account that he became isolated from the Father and Jesus in his innocence calls him God. But Jesus is the Son of God but on the cross, God turns his back on the Son and allows him to endure by himself the sins of the world. Jesus was the Passover Lamb. It was at the cross that the thief to his left along with the crowd said that if he is the Son of God, have God deliver him. But as the sin bearer, he had to die so that many others could live.
Daily Prayer: Holy Jesus, you took my sins too on the cross at Calvary. Thank you for being the True Son who obeys the will of God, even to the extent of suffering and dying on the Cross. Let me do my part in bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ into a fallen World. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Psalm 19: 1-4 The universal knowledge of God: Are we without excuse?
1 The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of his hands. 2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gon out through all the earth, and their utterances to the end of the world.
In these verses, David is describing the work of the Creator's hand. All that is seen is the fruit of his hand. It goes forth to all people to all ends of the earth. The question remains, Is general revelation enough to save a man? David is saying in these verses that if you see and don't believe, you must be without excuse. The Apostle Paul quotes these verses in Romans 10:10 where he says "The message has gone out, all over the world." He too is saying men are without excuse as general revelation is everywhere. However Paul forgets it took special revelation on his road to Damascus where he was confronted by the risen Lord to bring him to faith. Also it took a burning bush for Moses to have understanding. I submit that even though general revelation is everywhere, without God drawing close to us in special revelation, men cannot believe.
Daily Prayer: Father ever since the fall of man in the garden, men's hearts have been like stone and their minds set only on themselves. Draw near to us and especially to those where you have set witnesses to open their minds and soften their hearts. Do this for Christ's sake Amen.
In these verses, David is describing the work of the Creator's hand. All that is seen is the fruit of his hand. It goes forth to all people to all ends of the earth. The question remains, Is general revelation enough to save a man? David is saying in these verses that if you see and don't believe, you must be without excuse. The Apostle Paul quotes these verses in Romans 10:10 where he says "The message has gone out, all over the world." He too is saying men are without excuse as general revelation is everywhere. However Paul forgets it took special revelation on his road to Damascus where he was confronted by the risen Lord to bring him to faith. Also it took a burning bush for Moses to have understanding. I submit that even though general revelation is everywhere, without God drawing close to us in special revelation, men cannot believe.
Daily Prayer: Father ever since the fall of man in the garden, men's hearts have been like stone and their minds set only on themselves. Draw near to us and especially to those where you have set witnesses to open their minds and soften their hearts. Do this for Christ's sake Amen.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Psalm 13 Prayer for help in trouble (A psalm of lament)
1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death. 4 My enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. 5 But I have trusted in your lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.
The apparent silence of God is something that the wicked have referred to in previous psalms and we find the believer's desire for deliverance. Now the psalmist himself admits that God seems to have turned away; this causes him anguish, and he begs God to take action and he makes it clear that God has already come to his rescue. The prayer begins with a heartfelt appeal, repeated four times, in which he puts forward three reasons why God should intervene - his apparent forgetfulness of man, the pain that he is suffering, and the danger that his enemies will prevail. In the Christian Church this danger experienced by the myrters as Revelation uncovers: "When the fifth seal was opened I say under the altar the souls of those who have been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne." (Rev. 6:9)
Daily Prayer: The purpose of man is to glorify God and to exalt the Son. With this purpose in mind, place me in those places and situations where I can accomplish all that you have for my service to you. In your name I pray Amen.
The apparent silence of God is something that the wicked have referred to in previous psalms and we find the believer's desire for deliverance. Now the psalmist himself admits that God seems to have turned away; this causes him anguish, and he begs God to take action and he makes it clear that God has already come to his rescue. The prayer begins with a heartfelt appeal, repeated four times, in which he puts forward three reasons why God should intervene - his apparent forgetfulness of man, the pain that he is suffering, and the danger that his enemies will prevail. In the Christian Church this danger experienced by the myrters as Revelation uncovers: "When the fifth seal was opened I say under the altar the souls of those who have been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne." (Rev. 6:9)
Daily Prayer: The purpose of man is to glorify God and to exalt the Son. With this purpose in mind, place me in those places and situations where I can accomplish all that you have for my service to you. In your name I pray Amen.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Psalm 8: The Lord's glory & man's dignity (A declarative praise work)
1 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth, who have displayed your splendor above the nations! 2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes you have established strength because of your adversaries, to make the enemy and the revengful cease. 3 When I consider your heaven, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained: 4 What is man that you take thought of him? 5 Yet you have made him a little lower than God, and you crown him with glory and majesty! 6 You make him to rule over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, 7 All sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field. 8 The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas. 9 O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is your name in all the earth!
This is a declarative praise psalm of David. The previous psalm ended with a resolution to praise the name of the Lord (Ps 7). The psalmist now goes on to do just that; focusing on his attention on the first great work of God - the creation of the universe and , more especially, the creation of man. Psalm 8 marks the climax of the prayer that began with Psalm 3: a series of entreaties now gives way to praise of the Lord. This psalm finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ: like God, he received the praise of children (cf. v. 2) he was crowned with glory and splendor at his resurrection (v. 5) and to him all things, even death, are subject (cf. v 6). By praying this psalm, the Christian proclaims the great dignity of man which Jesus Christ has restored.
Daily Prayer: Father, I know it is your desire that we be co-laborers with Christ in his kingdom.
As such, renew my heart and my mind to conform to his for this great work that you have for me to do. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
This is a declarative praise psalm of David. The previous psalm ended with a resolution to praise the name of the Lord (Ps 7). The psalmist now goes on to do just that; focusing on his attention on the first great work of God - the creation of the universe and , more especially, the creation of man. Psalm 8 marks the climax of the prayer that began with Psalm 3: a series of entreaties now gives way to praise of the Lord. This psalm finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ: like God, he received the praise of children (cf. v. 2) he was crowned with glory and splendor at his resurrection (v. 5) and to him all things, even death, are subject (cf. v 6). By praying this psalm, the Christian proclaims the great dignity of man which Jesus Christ has restored.
Daily Prayer: Father, I know it is your desire that we be co-laborers with Christ in his kingdom.
As such, renew my heart and my mind to conform to his for this great work that you have for me to do. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Psalm 2: The reign of the Lord's Anointed (A Royal Psalm)
1 Why do the nations plot, and why do their people make useless plans? 2 The kings of the earth have all joined together to turn against the Lord and his chosen one. 3 They say, "Let's cut the ropes and set ourselves free!" 4 In heaven the Lord laughs as he sits on his throne making fun of the nations. 5 The Lord becomes furious and threatens them. His anger terrifies them as he says, 6 I've put my king on Zion, my sacred hill." 7 I will tell the promise that the Lord made me: "You are my son, today I have become your father. 8 Ask me for the nations, and every nation on earth will belong to you. 9 You will smash them with an iron rod and shatter them like dishes of clay." 10 Be smart, all you rulers, and pay close attention. 11 Serve and honor the Lord; be glad and tremble. 12 Show respect to his son because if you don't, the Lord might become furious and suddenly destroy you. But he blesses and protects everyone who runs to him.
This composition is both royal and indirectly messianic in nature. It speaks of the second coming of Christ. It tells us that God has chosen his anointed and that plans to thwart this are laughable.
We know that this is not Christ's first advent, because the people rejected the true king. But in Christ's second coming, he will rule and reign for the Father and the nations will obey or be under the judgment of God.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the true king and rightful ruler. Not only are you ruler of the nations, but also the ruler of men's hearts. This is what you taught us on the Sermon on the Mount. You greatest care is not actions of men, but for their motivations which is the true measure of those who belong to you. In your holy name I pray Amen.
This composition is both royal and indirectly messianic in nature. It speaks of the second coming of Christ. It tells us that God has chosen his anointed and that plans to thwart this are laughable.
We know that this is not Christ's first advent, because the people rejected the true king. But in Christ's second coming, he will rule and reign for the Father and the nations will obey or be under the judgment of God.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the true king and rightful ruler. Not only are you ruler of the nations, but also the ruler of men's hearts. This is what you taught us on the Sermon on the Mount. You greatest care is not actions of men, but for their motivations which is the true measure of those who belong to you. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Monday, May 9, 2011
God appears to Job, Job repents, and God restores him (Job 40-1-4,42: 5-6, 10
Then the LORD said to Job, "Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it." Then Job answered the LORD and said, "Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to you?" I lay my hand on my mouth. Then the LORD answered Job out of a storm and said, "Now gird up your loins like a man; I will ask you and you will instruct me. "Will you really annul My judgment? Will you condemn me that you may be justified?" Then Job answered the LORD and said, "I have heard of you by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees you; Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes." The LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the LORD increased all that Job had twofold.
What then is the conclusion of the book? Initially Satan was given permission by God to tempt and to test Job, whom God calls his servant. God would not permit the taking of his life. Through a series of misfortunes and illnesses, Job is humbled in the community where he was considered a leader. Those who called themselves his friends concluded Job was being punished by God for hidden sin in his life. In the end, God makes it known that Job was being tested by God and God rebuked Job's friends, but exalted Job his servant.
Daily Prayer: Lord you are my father and I am your son. When I am going through times of testing, let my answers not come from the world, but from you alone. We can do that because Jesus Christ, your Greater Son has made a way for me to approach the Allmighty God through the righteousness of Jesus Christ who laid down his life for me so that I will not die, but have eternal life. It is in his name that I pray Amen.
What then is the conclusion of the book? Initially Satan was given permission by God to tempt and to test Job, whom God calls his servant. God would not permit the taking of his life. Through a series of misfortunes and illnesses, Job is humbled in the community where he was considered a leader. Those who called themselves his friends concluded Job was being punished by God for hidden sin in his life. In the end, God makes it known that Job was being tested by God and God rebuked Job's friends, but exalted Job his servant.
Daily Prayer: Lord you are my father and I am your son. When I am going through times of testing, let my answers not come from the world, but from you alone. We can do that because Jesus Christ, your Greater Son has made a way for me to approach the Allmighty God through the righteousness of Jesus Christ who laid down his life for me so that I will not die, but have eternal life. It is in his name that I pray Amen.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Job's third friend, Zophar, rebukes Job (Job 11: 3-17)
So what can you do when you know so little, and these mysteries outreach the earth and the ocean? If God puts you in prison or drags you to court, what can you do? God has wisdom to know when someone is worthless and sinful, but it's easier to tame a wild donkey than to make a fool wise. Surrender your heart to God, turn to him in prayer, and give up your sins - even those you do in secret. Then you won't be ashamed; you will be confident and fearless. Your troubles will go away like water beneath a bridge, and your darkest night will be brighter than noon.
Zophar is the third of the friends to speak. He comes across as a merciless opponent; he treats Job as a fool and charlatan, and the arguments he uses are purely human ones. We could say he is a rationalist. He takes as his keynote Job's claim to be blameless and he will have none of it. What he says will give rise to another series of interventions, in which the friends merely recite the doctrine of retribution all over again. He insists in his speech that Job is responsible for all of his suffering.
Daily Prayer: Times of testing are most troubling for a believer. I know that God does not punish Christians, but he does discipline them. When trouble comes, and it will come, confess those sins that you know in your heart and those that you cannot know must be trusted to be forgiven as well, because I believe in the justice of God and the redemption of the Son. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Zophar is the third of the friends to speak. He comes across as a merciless opponent; he treats Job as a fool and charlatan, and the arguments he uses are purely human ones. We could say he is a rationalist. He takes as his keynote Job's claim to be blameless and he will have none of it. What he says will give rise to another series of interventions, in which the friends merely recite the doctrine of retribution all over again. He insists in his speech that Job is responsible for all of his suffering.
Daily Prayer: Times of testing are most troubling for a believer. I know that God does not punish Christians, but he does discipline them. When trouble comes, and it will come, confess those sins that you know in your heart and those that you cannot know must be trusted to be forgiven as well, because I believe in the justice of God and the redemption of the Son. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
The advice of Bildad the Shuhite (Job 8: 1 - 10)
Bildad from Shuah said: How long will you talk and keep saying nothing? Does God All-Powerful stand in the way of justice? He made your children pay for their sins. So why don't you turn to him and start living right? Then he will decide to rescue and restore you to your place of honor. Your future will be brighter by far than your past. Our ancestors were wise, so learn from them. Our own time has been short, like a fading shadow and we know very little. But they will instruct you with great understanding.
Bildad takes issue with Job in two ways - as an interlocutor, describing his garments as wind (v. 2; cf. 6:26) and as a man of learning, basing his case on the fact that diving justice can never error. He appeals to the teaching of past generations. In his speech he makes two points. First Job's children have already paid the price for their sins through their death. Because Job is alive, he can have recourse to God and be saved. Second, the apparent prosperity of the wicked that do not put their trust in God will vanish because it has no basis; it is like papyrus, a cobweb, or stray shoots. The conclusion is that if Job behaves properly, he can regain happiness.
Daily Prayer: Father, you teach me that you do not and will not overlook sins and that sin must be punished. I live in a better time now because of the coming of Christ. Now he is my sin bearer and the problem of sin has been dealt with once and for all. Now all I must do is place my trust in your son to gain your favor and remove my guilt and stain. I praise you in the name of Jesus Amen.
Bildad takes issue with Job in two ways - as an interlocutor, describing his garments as wind (v. 2; cf. 6:26) and as a man of learning, basing his case on the fact that diving justice can never error. He appeals to the teaching of past generations. In his speech he makes two points. First Job's children have already paid the price for their sins through their death. Because Job is alive, he can have recourse to God and be saved. Second, the apparent prosperity of the wicked that do not put their trust in God will vanish because it has no basis; it is like papyrus, a cobweb, or stray shoots. The conclusion is that if Job behaves properly, he can regain happiness.
Daily Prayer: Father, you teach me that you do not and will not overlook sins and that sin must be punished. I live in a better time now because of the coming of Christ. Now he is my sin bearer and the problem of sin has been dealt with once and for all. Now all I must do is place my trust in your son to gain your favor and remove my guilt and stain. I praise you in the name of Jesus Amen.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Job's friend Eliphaz counsels troubled Job (Job 4: 1-9)
Eliphaz from Teman said: Please be patient and listen to what I have to say. Remember how your words have guided and encouraged many in need. But now you feel discouraged when struck by trouble. You respect God and live right, so don't lose hope! No truly innocent person has ever died young. In my experience, only those who plant seeds of evil harvest trouble, and then they are swept away by the angry breath of God.
Here Job is accused for being inconsistent: he does not practice what he preaches. Evildoers attack those who try to live a good life in two ways: they accuse them of being deceitful in what they say and of failing to act in accordance with their noble beliefs. Now they acknowledge that Job has spoken in truth, but accuse him of failing to reflect it in his deeds. The tone of understanding give way to recrimination, and inflict a greater injury on the upright whom they claim to defend. The message gives the notion that suffering is punishment for sin. Job challenges the truth of the principle that identifies suffering with punishment for sin. And he does this on the basis of his own experience.
Daily Prayer: Father, I understand that trouble will come. Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow, because today has enough trouble of its own. For this reason when I am afraid or in need of comfort, I ask it from you who will give a son or daughter according to their need. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Here Job is accused for being inconsistent: he does not practice what he preaches. Evildoers attack those who try to live a good life in two ways: they accuse them of being deceitful in what they say and of failing to act in accordance with their noble beliefs. Now they acknowledge that Job has spoken in truth, but accuse him of failing to reflect it in his deeds. The tone of understanding give way to recrimination, and inflict a greater injury on the upright whom they claim to defend. The message gives the notion that suffering is punishment for sin. Job challenges the truth of the principle that identifies suffering with punishment for sin. And he does this on the basis of his own experience.
Daily Prayer: Father, I understand that trouble will come. Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow, because today has enough trouble of its own. For this reason when I am afraid or in need of comfort, I ask it from you who will give a son or daughter according to their need. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Lament of Job (Job 3: 1 - 6)
Blot out the day of my birth and the night when my parents created a son. Forget about that day, cover it with darkness, and send thick, gloomy shadows to fill it with dread. Erase that night from the calendar and conceal it with darkness.
Here Job speaking forthrightly, dramatically and even with cynicism, bewails his life: by contrast with "Let there be light" of creation (Gen. 1:3), which distinguished day from night, Job asks that the day of his birth be plunged into darkness forever. The rhetorical questions and statements express doubts as to whether life is worth living: If a person is suffering, is death not more desirable than life? The last part of this soliloquy asks the question about God almost without mentioning him: What sense can we make of things if God brings into being someone who is destined to suffer? Job feels so wretched that he cannot find the answer, but the fact that he asks this question implies that an answer must be there. Most commentators justify Job's lament by arguing that there is no sin involved in someone desiring to live no longer if he is weighted down by suffering: sin comes in if a person commits suicide or desires to do so. Jeremiah, too, cursed the day of his birth (Jer. 20: 14-17), but he did not sin. It also may mean that he desired to be in heaven with his Lord than suffering among humankind.
Daily Prayer: Father, I know that you understand suffering as your Son was called a man of suffering. Jesus was brought into the world not to live, but to die so that others may live. The answer to Job's lament is to identify with the sufferings of the promised savior so that he can bear the suffering that those who belong to him possess. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Here Job speaking forthrightly, dramatically and even with cynicism, bewails his life: by contrast with "Let there be light" of creation (Gen. 1:3), which distinguished day from night, Job asks that the day of his birth be plunged into darkness forever. The rhetorical questions and statements express doubts as to whether life is worth living: If a person is suffering, is death not more desirable than life? The last part of this soliloquy asks the question about God almost without mentioning him: What sense can we make of things if God brings into being someone who is destined to suffer? Job feels so wretched that he cannot find the answer, but the fact that he asks this question implies that an answer must be there. Most commentators justify Job's lament by arguing that there is no sin involved in someone desiring to live no longer if he is weighted down by suffering: sin comes in if a person commits suicide or desires to do so. Jeremiah, too, cursed the day of his birth (Jer. 20: 14-17), but he did not sin. It also may mean that he desired to be in heaven with his Lord than suffering among humankind.
Daily Prayer: Father, I know that you understand suffering as your Son was called a man of suffering. Jesus was brought into the world not to live, but to die so that others may live. The answer to Job's lament is to identify with the sufferings of the promised savior so that he can bear the suffering that those who belong to him possess. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The faith of Job in the midst of adversity (Job 2: 3 - 7)
Then the LORD asked, "What do you think of my servant Job? No one on earth is like him - he is a truly good person, who respects me and refuses to do evil. And he hasn't changed, even though you persuaded me to destroy him for no reason." Satan answered, "There's no pain like your own. People will do anything to stay alive. Try striking Job's own body with pain, and he will curse you to your face." "All right!" the LORD replied. "Make Job suffer as much as you want, but just don't kill him." Satan left and caused painful sores to break out all over Job's body-from head to toe.
Prior to Jesus' passion, many people of God believed that adversity was because of sin against God. Here we see that Job was not in contempt with God, but was being tested by God through Satan. The Bible teaches us that our suffering is not from flesh and bone, but from heavenly powers of darkness that war against God's authority and kingdom. Not all people who are going through trauma have dealt unfairly with God, but may be suffering because their Savior who is Christ Jesus suffered. God may strengthen our faith through testing.
Daily Prayer: Father, the world is a place where suffering takes place. Many say, "Why does God allow suffering?" God allows suffering because he allowed his own son to suffer. He allows suffering to consecrate me and you as offerings to God with our body and to make us holy to him. I pray for strength in times of testing. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Prior to Jesus' passion, many people of God believed that adversity was because of sin against God. Here we see that Job was not in contempt with God, but was being tested by God through Satan. The Bible teaches us that our suffering is not from flesh and bone, but from heavenly powers of darkness that war against God's authority and kingdom. Not all people who are going through trauma have dealt unfairly with God, but may be suffering because their Savior who is Christ Jesus suffered. God may strengthen our faith through testing.
Daily Prayer: Father, the world is a place where suffering takes place. Many say, "Why does God allow suffering?" God allows suffering because he allowed his own son to suffer. He allows suffering to consecrate me and you as offerings to God with our body and to make us holy to him. I pray for strength in times of testing. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Feast of Purim Instituted (Esther 9: 20 - 22)
Then Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of the king, both near and far obliging them to celebrate the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and the fifteenth day of the same month annually. This is because on these days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, and it was a month which was turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and rejoicing and sending portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor.
This is in the nature of God. For important days and for important events in the lives of God's people God desires that we remember these days and events because they lead back to the love of God for those who place their trust in him. When we were previously studying the prayers of David, one of the outstanding characteristics of his prayers was repeating back to God the work and favor God had already given him and the nation. This pleases God just as a child's remembering pleases their parents. It is a demonstration of God's faithfulness.
Daily Prayer: Lord, you are a God of grace and mercy. Grace for giving us those things that I do not deserve, but need and mercy for keeping me from the other harm I seem to employ. Thank you for caring more for me than we can care for myself. I sometimes lose faith, but you are faithful in all of your ways and I desire to give my thanks. In your holy name I pray Amen.
This is in the nature of God. For important days and for important events in the lives of God's people God desires that we remember these days and events because they lead back to the love of God for those who place their trust in him. When we were previously studying the prayers of David, one of the outstanding characteristics of his prayers was repeating back to God the work and favor God had already given him and the nation. This pleases God just as a child's remembering pleases their parents. It is a demonstration of God's faithfulness.
Daily Prayer: Lord, you are a God of grace and mercy. Grace for giving us those things that I do not deserve, but need and mercy for keeping me from the other harm I seem to employ. Thank you for caring more for me than we can care for myself. I sometimes lose faith, but you are faithful in all of your ways and I desire to give my thanks. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Esther was raised up for such a time as this (Esther 7: 2-6, 9)
The king said, "Esther, what can I do for you? Esther answered, "Your Majesty, if you really care for me and are willing to help, you can save me and my people. That,'s what I really want, because a reward has been promised to anyone who kills my people. Your Majesty, if we were merely going to be sold as slaves, I would not have bothered you." "Who would dare to do such a thing?" the king asked. Esther replied, "That evil Haman is the one out to get us!" Haman realized that the king had already decided what to do with him, and he stayed and begged Esther to save his life. Then Harbona, one of the king's servants said, "Your Majesty, Haman built a tower beside his house, so he could hang Mordecai on it. "Hang him from his own tower!" the king commanded.
Providence is God using his own timing and controlling circumstances so that justice is done.
God had promised to Abraham that whoever blesses the Jews, God would surely bless. But to the one who curses the Jews, God would certainly curse. Faith is the conviction that God is all-knowing and all-powerful and he will deliver his people in times of trouble. Revenge is mine, declares the Lord. If it were not for the disobedience of the queen, the finding of a beautiful Hebrew queen who is non-assuming, who knows, maybe she was brought to be queen for such a time as this?
Daily Prayer: Lord you do know the beginning from the end. In my life too, give me the ability to discern your hand at work in my life. Jesus teaches me not to worry, because God knows my every need. If he takes care of the sparrows and supplies them all their needs, will he not to the same for people? So if I find myself in doubt, let me simply remember to let God and let go. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Providence is God using his own timing and controlling circumstances so that justice is done.
God had promised to Abraham that whoever blesses the Jews, God would surely bless. But to the one who curses the Jews, God would certainly curse. Faith is the conviction that God is all-knowing and all-powerful and he will deliver his people in times of trouble. Revenge is mine, declares the Lord. If it were not for the disobedience of the queen, the finding of a beautiful Hebrew queen who is non-assuming, who knows, maybe she was brought to be queen for such a time as this?
Daily Prayer: Lord you do know the beginning from the end. In my life too, give me the ability to discern your hand at work in my life. Jesus teaches me not to worry, because God knows my every need. If he takes care of the sparrows and supplies them all their needs, will he not to the same for people? So if I find myself in doubt, let me simply remember to let God and let go. In your holy name I pray Amen.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Haman makes plans to slay Mordecai (Esther 5: 2 - 4, 5, 14)
The king was happy to see Esther, and he held out the gold scepter to her. When Esther came up and touched the tip of the scepter, the king said, "Esther, what brings you here? Just ask, and I will give you as much as half of my kingdom." Esther answered, "Your Majesty, please come with Haman to a dinner I will prepare for you ." Haman was feeling great as he left. But when he saw Mordecai at the palace gate, he noticed that Mordecai did not stand up or show him any respect. This made Haman really angry. Haman's wife and friends said to him, "Have a tower built about seventy-five feet high, and tomorrow morning ask the king to hang Mordecai there. Then later, you can have dinner with the king and enjoy yourself." This seemed like a good idea to Haman, and he had the tower built.
The key to the passage lies in the fact that God changed the spirit of the king to gentleness. This intervention by God is clearly an answer to Esther's situation. We see that when motivations are rooted in selfishness, the petition comes to nothing. Esther came into the presence of the king unexpectedly; but instead of becoming enraged the Lord changed him, converting kingly wrath to gentleness. This intimacy with the queen sets the stage for God's deliverance of her uncle Mordecai.
Daily Prayer: Father, you are a god who changes the heart of men. Jesus says that unless a person is born again or changed, he by no means will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. For by grace we are saved through faith. It is a gift of God and not from man so that nobody will boast.
Amen.
The key to the passage lies in the fact that God changed the spirit of the king to gentleness. This intervention by God is clearly an answer to Esther's situation. We see that when motivations are rooted in selfishness, the petition comes to nothing. Esther came into the presence of the king unexpectedly; but instead of becoming enraged the Lord changed him, converting kingly wrath to gentleness. This intimacy with the queen sets the stage for God's deliverance of her uncle Mordecai.
Daily Prayer: Father, you are a god who changes the heart of men. Jesus says that unless a person is born again or changed, he by no means will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. For by grace we are saved through faith. It is a gift of God and not from man so that nobody will boast.
Amen.
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