Bible Pathway - July 14
Read Psalms 108-118
Highlights:
Picture David's mighty army singing as they go forth to battle singing 108! Have you ever had a friend turn on you? Apparently this is the occasion in 109 and we see David seeking vengeance. David prophetically speaks of Christ in His deity as King-Priest in 110. Then we rejoice with the writer in the hallelujah psalms (111-113) as Israel’s God, the God of Jacob, is contrasted with Idols, as the unparalleled suffering is described and those who escape thank God. The Lord preserveth the simple (116:6). Then we see universal praise followed by the reason for it. Come on and exalt Messiah in 118 — whose mercy endureth forever.
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Ps.118:22-24).
There are hundreds of prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the coming of the Messiah that come to fruition in the New Testament. All of these prophecies were fulfilled and manifested in one person, Jesus Christ. There is no doubt that He truly is the Son of God and the Savior for all mankind. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).
This is one of those prophecies. Jesus is the stone that the builder's rejected. He was cast aside by the hierarchy of the Church. They did not believe He was our Lord and Savior. This verse is even repeated in the New Testament. Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? (Matt. 21:42).
The denial of Christ by these leaders could not stop God's plan. Jesus was intended to be the foundational point upon which the true church of God would be built. It would happen exactly as God had planned. Jesus left His home in heaven, came to the earth and was born in humble surroundings. That did not stop true worshipers from recognizing, even then, the magnitude of the event that was happening.
Jesus would grow into a man. Even though the main part of His earthly ministry only lasted three years, He would change this world more than any who came before or after Him. He willingly laid down His life in our place. Jesus died so that we might live eternally. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 1:21).
The story of Christ does not end at the cross. It does not end in the tomb. Jesus rose in victory over the evil enemies of all mankind. His resurrection gives us reason to celebrate. This is why we can say, “this is the day which the Lord has made."
Christ is Christianity. Without His sacrifice, where would the Church be? There may even be a better question. Why would the Church be? Praise the Lord that even though He was rejected, He became the “corner stone” of our lives.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18).
Thought for Today:
Are you allowing God's Word to be the light to guide your pathway?
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, measure; 109:23 declineth, fades away; 111:7 verity and judgment, truth and justice; 112:9 horn, strength, power; 114:8 standing, pool of; 116:3 compassed me, surrounded me, entangled me; 118:13 thrust sore at me that I might fall, pressed me to the point of collapse.
Prayer Suggestion: Seek the guidance of God in meekness (Ps. 25:9).
Optional Reading: 1 Timothy 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:8
