Bible Pathway - July 14, 2010
Highlights:
Picture David's mighty army as they go forth to battle singing Psalm 108! David prophetically speaks of Christ in His deity as King-Priest in Psalm 110. Let's rejoice with the psalmist in the hallelujah psalms (Ps. 111-113). Israel's God is contrasted with idols (115). I like: The Lord preserveth the simple (sincere) (116:6). Come and exalt the Messiah with us — Psalm 118 — for His mercy endureth for ever.
When Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, He fulfilled prophecy by the Holy Spirit: The Lord (God the Father) said unto my Lord (God the Son), Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool (Ps. 110:1). Jesus quoted this psalm as referring to Himself (Mark 12:36).
Israel, as a nation, rejected their Messiah King. But, the Stone (Christ) which the builders refused is become the Head Stone (Christ) of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. . . . Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. . . . God is the Lord, which hath shewed us light. David then gives praise to God and we too can say: Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt Thee. O give thanks unto the Lord . . . for His mercy endureth for ever (Ps. 118:22-23,26-29).
Jesus quoted this psalm, saying: What is this . . . The Stone which the builders rejected . . . is become the Head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that Stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever It shall fall, It will grind him to powder (Luke 20:17-18; Mark 12:10-11).
Paul quoted this psalm when he wrote to the Ephesians: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints (believers), and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Corner Stone; In whom all the building . . . groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord (Eph. 2:19-21).
After a miracle of healing, Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit), said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel . . . Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole (well). Peter then quoted Psalm 118 when he said: This is the Stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:8,10-12).
Thought for Today:
And when He was at the place, He said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation (Luke 22:40).
Christ Revealed:
Christ quoted Psalm 118:22: The Stone which the builders refused (rejected) — to the chief priests and the Pharisees when they willfully rejected Him as the Messiah (Matt. 21:42-45).
Word Studies:
108:7 mete =b> measure; 109:23 declineth =b> fades away; 111:7 verity and judgment =b> truth and justice; 112:9 horn =b> strength, power; 114:8 standing =b> pool of; 116:3 compassed me =b> surrounded me, entangled me; 118:13 thrust sore at me that I might fall =b> pressed me to the point of collapse.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Patrick Kennedy (RI) and Rep. Tom Latham (IA) • Country: Serbia and Montenegro (11 million) on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe • Major language: Serbo-Croatian • Religious conflict • 41% Serbian/Montenegrin/Macedonian Orthodox; 33% Catholic; 11% Muslim; 1% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for spiritual prosperity (I Chron. 4:9-10).
Optional Reading: 1 Timothy 5
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:8
