Bible Pathway - July 18, 2010
Highlights:
Psalm 139 proclaims the universal presence and infinite knowledge of God. He knows our every thought, word, and deed. This could be any of us speaking to God. The closing prayer is one of the most needed prayers in the whole Bible. The last four psalms reflect David's heartfelt pleas for protection.
Our Creator inspired David to write: O Lord, Thou. . . . art acquainted with all my ways (from the time I was conceived to this very day). . . . Such knowledge is too wonderful for me (beyond my understanding). . . . For Thou hast possessed my reins (formed my inward spirit and heart): Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. . . . when I was made in secret. . . . Thine eyes did see my substance . . . when as yet there was none (Ps. 139:1-16). God reveals that, at conception, David became a person, a living soul. Although, as an unborn infant, he was hidden from human view, as if buried in the earth, his body was no mystery to his Creator, who was skillfully preparing him for his God-ordained destiny on earth.
The Holy Spirit inspired the beloved physician Luke to record what the Angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary: Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His Name JESUS (Luke 1:31). Note that the Lord Jesus Christ was announced as a Person at conception.
God also led Isaiah to prophesy concerning Christ: The Lord hath called Me from the womb; from the bowels (body, internal parts) of My mother hath He made mention of My Name. . . . in the shadow of His hand hath He hid Me. . . . And now, saith the Lord that formed Me from the womb to be His Servant. . . . I will also give Thee for a Light to the Gentiles (Is. 49:1-6).
It should be no surprise that our great Creator not only gives life but also determines that it will begin at conception. God revealed to Jeremiah: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Jer. 1:5). If the mothers of David, Isaiah, or Jeremiah had aborted them, they would have murdered great men of God. According to the world's records today it would have just shown more unnamed fetuses. But life is sacred and is given by the Creator for His own purposes.
Jesus said, Suffer (Permit) little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 19:14).
Thought for Today:
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms (James 5:13).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who deals bountifully with us (Ps. 142:7). I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10; Eph. 3:20)..Word Studies: 139:15 curiously wrought =b> skillfully fashioned; 140:5 gins =b> lures, snares; 141:7 Our bones are scattered =b> Overwhelming destruction is contemplated; 143:3 smitten =b> crushed, struck.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. William Delahunt (MA), Rep. Harry Mitchell (AZ), Rep. Mark Souder (IN), and Sen. Mark Udall (CO) • Country: Slovakia (5 million) central Europe • Major languages: Slovak and Hungarian • Religious freedom • 60% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant; 4% Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and praise God for His faithfulness and mercy in keeping all His promises (II Chron. 6:14-15).
Optional Reading: 2 Timothy 3
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:9
