Bible Pathway - July 16, 2010
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Just as we pray in our hearts for help for our needs and protection from our enemies, or give joyful praise to God, these people sang these psalms as they journeyed to Jerusalem to the sacred feasts. Don't miss reading these special verses in today's reading.
The Law required all male Jews physically able and ceremonially clean to go to Jerusalem three times a year to participate in the seven Feasts (Ex. 23:14-17; Deut. 16:16). With utmost confidence in the Lord's protection on the journeys, the Israelite worshiper could sing: I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills (beyond all human dependence). . . . My help cometh from the Lord. . . . The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil . . . for evermore (Ps. 121:7-8).
The psalms were sung as they traveled toward Jerusalem to participate in the Feasts (Festivals), sacrifices, and worship. Even though some may have traveled as much as three weeks to arrive in Jerusalem, these were to be journeys of great joy. They sang with utmost assurance that the Lord would protect them on the way to Jerusalem as well as their homes and possessions during their absence: Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep (121:4). Above all else, the psalmist proclaimed: In His Word do I hope. . . . with Him is plenteous redemption (130:5,7). We too are assured to trust in the Lord for provisions and protection, as well as for forgiveness of our sins.
David was inspired to foresee that glorious time in the future when the Messiah will reign in Jerusalem, when the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord (Rev. 11:15).
This prophecy foretells the reign of Christ: Many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go . . . to the House of the God . . . and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Is. 2:3). Centuries have passed since this prophecy was first given, but the day will soon arrive when Israel's throne will be occupied by Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the promised descendant of David.
Let all believers praise our loving Heavenly Father and echo the words of the Apostle Paul: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings . . . that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love . . . by Jesus Christ. . . . In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:3-5,7).
Thought for Today:
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also (I Cor. 14:15).
Christ Revealed:
As our Protector — the One who shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in (Ps. 121:8). By Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture (John 10:9). And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (II Tim. 4:18).
Word Studies:
130:3 mark =b> record; 130:4 feared =b> reverenced with awe; 131:1 exercise =b> concern; too high for me =b> far beyond me.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Rep. Barbara Lee (CA), Rep. Donald Payne (NJ), Rep. Mike Rogers (AL), and Rep. Tim Ryan (OH) • Country: Sierra Leone (5 million) in western Africa • Major language: English • Increasing restrictions on Christian work in some areas • 50% belief in river spirits, medicine men, and witchcraft; 39% Muslim; 7% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Seek God in prayer continually and depend on His strength (I Chron. 16:11).
Optional Reading: 2 Timothy 1
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:8
