Bible Pathway - July 6, 2011
Read Psalms 67
Highlights:
A Messianic prophecy is recorded (Ps. 68:18) and its fulfillment proclaimed in the New Testament (Eph. 4:8). 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.
Without God, life is empty and unsatisfying; a life of sin is soon disappointing, barren, and wretched: The rebellious dwell in a dry land (Ps. 68:6). Sin cannot produce peace, real love, or satisfaction. The person who trusts in God and His Word is led to praise Him regardless of life's ups and downs. Christianity has been misrepresented by Satan and his crowd as a gloomy, dull experience. But for a Christian all things work together for good to them that love God (Rom. 8:28). The fact is that our Heavenly Father equally loves every Christian so much that the very hairs of your head are all numbered (Matt. 10:30). This means He never overlooks any detail or any person. Regardless of what material or physical things we may experience as Christians, all is for our good and His glory. All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. . . . in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Rom. 8:28,37).
Even the trying experiences of life can produce good blessings. Trials are often a blessing in disguise and temporal loss can result in spiritual enrichment. Although we look forward to meeting Jesus, most of us want to make the most out of our life here, hopefully doing all we can for Him. So a Christian's greatest losses and crosses may lead to his greatest gains and joys. But it is far different with the rebellious. To them, earthly losses often lead to bitterness — the rebellious dwell in a dry land. The brightest prospects of sinful enjoyment eventually leave their victims empty and wretched.
To Christians the future is radiant, beautiful, and inviting. Thou . . . shalt quicken me (make me alive) . . . and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth (Ps. 71:20). But of the rebellious, Jesus said: Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. . . . These should go away into everlasting punishment: (notice what He said about true believers: But the righteous into life eternal (Matt. 25:30,46).
Thought for Today:
In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death (Prov. 12:28).
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, salvation; 68:4 JAH is an abbreviation for Jehovah — the Eternal, Self-Existent One — and corresponds to I AM THAT I AM; 68:13 pots, sheepfolds; 68:18 led captivity captive, led your captives captive — a prophecy concerning Jesus Christ (Eph. 4:8-9); 68:20 issues, escapes; 68:35 terrible =wesome, astonishing; 70:3 Aha, aha, an expression of scorn.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Country: Jordan (5 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Religious tolerance • 93% Muslim; 5% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Humbly kneel before the Lord with a contrite heart as you pray (Ezra 9:5-6).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 34
