Bible Pathway - July 6, 2010
Highlights:
A mixture of worship, giving glory to God, and pleas for His help in trouble to relieve Israel from its adversaries. A Messianic prophecy is recorded here and its fulfillment proclaimed in the New Testament. Today's reading ends with the personal testimony of a devout old man praising the Holy One of Israel (Ps. 71:9,22-23) for his redemption.
The psalmist encourages everyone to rejoice and sing for joy (Ps. 67:4). Furthermore, singing and giving praise to the Lord always brings satisfaction and peace of mind. While we await Jesus' return from heaven, the psalmist reminds us to rejoice: Let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to His Name: extol (praise) Him that rideth upon the heavens by His Name JAH, and rejoice before Him (68:3-4). JAH is short for the Name of Jehovah (Yahweh), who is ever in the present.
Let us join with the psalmist in a proclamation of praise and adoration for Jesus Christ, our wonderful Savior and Lord, who generously pours out His blessings upon us. Let the people praise Thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee (67:3).
The psalmist also foretold the resurrection of Christ. A numerous host of people will proclaim the glorious news of His victory. Jesus ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity captive. . . . and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death (68:18,20). All the kingdoms of the earth sing praises unto the Lord (68:32) as they express their heartfelt worship. Paul explained the meaning of this psalm as a prophecy concerning Christ, who ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men (Eph. 4:8). This means He conquered death and Satan, who had held mankind in bondage (Heb. 2:15). Gifts were given to apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the people of God to do His work, and to help them mature, and grow in the likeness of Christ (Eph. 4:11-12).
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. . . . Marvel not at this . . . all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:24,28-29).
Thought for Today:
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them (Mark 11:24).
Christ Revealed:
As the One who led captivity captive (Ps. 68:18). With His resurrection power, Jesus broke the captive power of Satan. When He led the Old Testament saints from paradise into heaven, He led captivity captive (comp. Eph. 4:8; also Gal. 5:1; Rev. 1:18).
Word Studies:
67:2 saving health =b> salvation; 68:4 JAH is an abbreviation of Jehovah — the Eternal, Self-Existent One — and corresponds to I AM THAT I AM; 68:13 pots =b> sheepfolds; 68:18 led captivity captive =b> led your captives captive — a prophecy concerning Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:8-9); 68:20 issues =b> escapes; 68:35 terrible =awesome, astonishing; 70:3 Aha, aha =b> an expression of scorn.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Viola R. Gist and John L. O'Donnell • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Country: Romania (22.5 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Rumanian and Hungarian • Freedom of worship • 69.5% Romanian Orthodox Church; 14% non-Religious/Other; 8% Protestant; 7% Catholic; 1% Muslim; .1% Jewish; .4% Marginal • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for the blessings of God upon your family and home (II Sam. 7:29).
Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:7
